Christian Atsu’s found dead under earthquake rubble in Turkey

February 18, 2023

Ghanaian soccer star Christian Atsu’s body was found dead in the rubble under the building he lived in following last week’s deadly earthquake in Turkey, his agent said.

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” the ex-Chelsea winger’s Turkish agent Murat Uzunmehmet confirmed to reporters in Hatay Saturday.

“Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”

The 31-year-old played for Hatayspor, a soccer team based in the Hatay province of Turkey, the area most devastated by the massive quake.

More than 45,000 people were killed in Turkey and Syria as of Saturday morning — nearly two weeks since the earthquake struck the region.

The club confirmed Atsu’s body will be sent to his hometown in Ghana.

Rescuers searching the rubble of Christian Atsu's building on Feb. 12, 2023. — Rescuers searching the rubble of Christian Atsu’s building on Feb. 12, 2023.

Atsu was due to fly out of southern Turkey just hours before the quake, but his manager said he chose to stay in the area after scoring the game-winning goal in a Feb. 5 Super Lig match that brought his team to victory in the final minute.

Despite conflicting reports, Atsu had been missing since the Feb. 6 quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay.

Following the catastrophe, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been “pulled out alive” from the rubble underneath his building. But just one day later, it emerged that the athlete was still missing.

Rescuers have been working tirelessly to find Atsu alive. Here are personnel conducting a search and rescue operations for Atsu on Feb. 12, 2023.

Friends of Christian Atsu wait near the rubble of his collapsed building as rescuers continued to search of the footballer on Feb. 17, 2023. — Friends of Christian Atsu wait near the rubble of his collapsed building as rescuers continued to search for the footballer on Feb. 17, 2023.

Friends of the footballer have been waiting near the rubble for days in hope of find Atsu alive. Sadly, he was found dead on Feb. 18, 2023.

Atsu’s other agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed Atsu’s death on Saturday

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning,” he said on Twitter.

“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”

Christian Atsu of Newcastle United (30) crosses the ball during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Newcastle United and Rochdale AFC at St. James Park on January 14, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. — Christian Atsu of Newcastle United crosses the ball during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Rochdale AFC at St. James Park on Jan. 14, 2020 in Tyne, England.

Atsu became a permanent fixture of Hatayspor in September following a brief season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed.

“There are no words to describe our sadness,” Hatayspor tweeted Saturday. “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”

Atsu played for Chelsea in 2013, before brief stints at Everton and Bournemouth in the UK’s Premier League.

Sepp De Roover (L) of NAC and Christian Atsu of Vitesse battle for the ball during the Eredivisie match between NAC Breda and Vitesse at the Rat Verlegh Stadion on March 8, 2014 in Breda, Netherlands.

He later joined Newcastle in 2016 and was part of the team during its promotion from the EFL Championship to the Premier League.

“We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” Newcastle tweeted Saturday.

“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff, and supporters.”

Atsu during the FA Cup match between Newcastle United and Rochdale at St. James's Park, Newcastle on Jan. 14, 2020. — Atsu during the FA Cup match between Newcastle United and Rochdale at St. James’s Park, Newcastle on Jan. 14, 2020.

Everton tweeted they were “deeply saddened” by the news. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK, and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.”

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends,” Chelsea tweeted.

Atsu leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Marie-Claire Rupio, and their three children.

With Post wires