Soccer journalist Grant Wahl’s World Cup death stuns fans

American sportswriter Grant Wahl has unexpectedly died while covering the World Cup, with the abrupt demise of the seemingly healthy 48-year-old man shocking the soccer world.

Wahl collapsed while watching the Netherlands-Argentina match from a press box at Lusail Stadium on Friday, according to Yahoo Sports soccer reporter Henry Bushnell. The longtime journalist, who was best known for his extensive coverage of soccer, had been tweeting just before Netherlands scored a last-minute tying goal to send the game to extra time.

Notably, Wahl was detained before a match earlier in the tournament by World Cup security guards who he said had “angrily demanded” that he take off a shirt featuring an LGBTQ Pride rainbow. Wahl said that the incident concerned him because world soccer authorities had “been clear in saying that the rainbow flag would be welcomed at the World Cup” despite Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ laws.

U.S. Soccer paid tribute to Wahl while announcing his death a few hours after the game finished.

“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the federation said. “Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.”

“As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all,” the statement continued.

Wahl’s wife, Dr. Céline Gounder, a prominent infectious disease specialist who served on President Joe Biden‘s COVID-19 Advisory Board, said that she was in “complete shock” over her husband’s death while tweeting in response to the statement.

“I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight,” tweeted Gounder. “I’m in complete shock.”

Others from the American soccer community expressed their condolences and shock at Wahl’s passing on social media Friday.

“Learned of Grant Wahl’s passing while I was at the Sixers game,” tweeted former U.S. Women’s National Team forward Carli Lloyd. “Completely shocked. My heart goes out to his wife, family, friends and the soccer community. Truly heartbreaking.”

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken over the tragic passing of Grant Wahl,” Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber tweeted. “He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism were immeasurable.”

“Numb. Shocked. Devastated to hear the news about Grant Wahl,” tweeted former U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team goalkeeper Tony Meola. “The world lost a kind human being. Met Grant as a young reporter and later had the pleasure of working with him last WC. He loved people, life and our sport. May your soul rest in peace Grant.”

Wahl’s death also sparked considerable speculation that the journalist may have fallen victim to foul play due to his support for LGBTQ rights at the tournament. Qatar has faced heavy criticism while hosting the competition over its openly anti-LGBTQ rights stance, as well as allegations of human rights abuses, including the deaths of many migrant workers who built and maintained the World Cup stadiums.

Wahl’s brother Eric noted in a video shared on social media that Grant had told him he had received “death threats” following his confrontation with World Cup staff before the Netherlands-Senegal match on November 21. He added that he believed his brother had been “killed” for wearing the LGBTQ rainbow shirt, which he said Grant had done to support him.

“My name is Eric Wahl … I’m Grant Wahl’s brother,” Eric said in the video. “I’m gay, I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died, I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.”

Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Qatar and the State Department for comment.