Belgian lower-league defender Tim Nicot, 23, died on Monday after suffering a heart attack during a friendly on Saturday, the second such death in Belgium in two weeks.
In an incident likely to increase calls for more cardiac screening of young players, Antwerp club Beerschot Wilrijk said Nicot died in hospital after collapsing at a post-season tournament following their promotion to the Third Division.
He was placed in an induced coma, but his club confirmed his death on Twitter on Monday, saying: “KFCO Wilrijk Beerschot is in mourning. Tim Nicot has just died. We wish family and friends strength. # YNWA.”
On April 30, former under-21 international defender Gregory Mertens, 24, died three days after his heart stopped during a reserve game for top-flight Lokeren at Racing Genk.
“Far too soon, far too young,” Beerschot said in a statement on Nicot’s death. “He fought. Like a bear. Lovingly surrounded by his family, supported by his team mates and his many friends.”
