19-Year-old Footballer Dies Drowning In His Own Stomach Acid

A 19-year-old football player, Luca Manolache, has passed away due to complications involving his digestive system. Manolache was a midfielder for the Romanian team Metaloglobus București until August 2024, when a series of concerning health issues forced him to step away from the sport.

He had been experiencing prolonged fatigue, dizziness, chills, and bloody stools. His parents and teammates noticed changes in his condition, particularly during a football match where he struggled through the first half. Initially, his coach attributed the issues to inadequate preparation, but as his symptoms worsened, an ambulance was called after he reported a complete loss of vision.

Medical professionals initially dismissed him after conducting an X-ray of his lungs and blood tests, which showed no abnormalities. It was suspected that he had an extreme infection, and he was prescribed doxycycline, paracetamol, and algocalmin before being discharged.

On February 28, while outside with a family member, Manolache's condition deteriorated, prompting another call for an ambulance. He managed to call his mother, Ana Maria Manolache, who was in Bucharest at the time. During their conversation, he reportedly expressed his distress and asked if she thought he was dying. He was unable to see throughout the incident.

Despite his mother’s efforts to reach County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania, she was unable to arrive before he passed away. His sister informed her of his death. An autopsy concluded that the cause of death was drowning in his own stomach acid. Reports indicate that he had vomited large amounts of blood, which triggered a fatal reaction within his digestive system. The exact illness responsible for his death remains unidentified.

His former football team, Metaloglobus București, released a statement expressing their shock and grief. They highlighted his passion for football and his positive presence on the field. His last appearance for the team was on August 24, 2024, during a match against CS Afumați, where he played for 10 minutes as a substitute. Following that game, he reported fatigue during training, leading the technical staff to halt his participation and recommend further medical evaluation.

The team extended their condolences to his family and expressed solidarity during this difficult time.