Footballer, 24, discovered lifeless within the sea after night time out with teammates at membership
Swiss third division side FC Granges-Paccot have confirmed the heartbreaking death of Jakov Jelkic after he went missing following a night out with team-mates in Alicante
A footballer has been found dead after last being seen with friends in a nightclub. Swiss third-tier outfit FC Granges-Paccot announced the tragic passing of Jakov Jelkic after the distressing disappearance.
The 24-year-old was last seen with his friends in Alicante, reportedly vanishing following an evening at a nightclub. The team had travelled to Spain for a tournament, and during their celebrations, and Jelkic is said to have been spotted departing a bar.
His absence raised alarms when he didn’t make it back to his lodging, prompting concerned hotel personnel to report him missing while Jelkic’s kin took to social media in a frantic search for their loved one.
Authorities have since confirmed that his body was discovered in the waters of Alicante port on Monday evening around 5:30pm, with indications pointing to an accidental cause of death. Grieving over the loss, his club paid tribute to him in a on social media.
On Instagram, FC Granges-Paccot shared: “It is with great sadness that we learned of Jakov’s passing. All our thoughts go to his family, friends, teammates and all the people who knew him closely or from afar. His memory will remain forever engraved in our hearts. A friend, a teammate, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.”
Following the sad announcement, heartfelt tributes began flooding in. FC Schoenberg, a fellow Swiss team, responded with profound sorrow: “Dear friends of FC Granges-Paccot, we learned with great sadness the death of your player.
“In these difficult moments, FC Schoenberg wishes to send you and his family and relatives our deepest condolences. Football creates strong bonds beyond the pitch and today we share your pain.”
Supporters also reached out with their own heartfelt messages. A fan commented: “Forever in our hearts. Condolences to all the family, friends and team,” while another shared: “In support of the family, the players, and all his relatives, all my sympathy.”
Jelkic had netted one goal for the club this season, with Granges-Paccot positioned at sixth place in the Swiss third division after 11 matches. The team has secured four victories this term.
They are set to return to the field next month, visiting FC Ressudens, and will then host Montagny at home in early April.
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