Footballer, 20, dies in horror fall from group lodge as membership in ‘second of ache’
Tributes have been paid to a footballer whose death in a horror fall from a hotel roof is being investigated by police.
Luis Felipe Gomes de Jesus, 20, plunged from the roof of the hotel he was staying at for the prestigious U21 Brazil Futsal Cup, which showcases the best youth talent from across the country. The tragedy happened the day the tournament ended, with local reports pointing to Luis Felipe stumbling and losing his footing in a tragic accident.
The sportsman was captain of CEF Caratoira, a team based in the city of Vitoria in the south-east Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. The tragedy happened on Thursday at the four-star Onda Mar Hotel in Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, nearly 1,200 miles further north.
Firefighters as well as police and paramedics rushed to the scene because Luis Felipe, who played with the number 10 shirt and was better known by his nickname of Gamy, had ended up in a difficult-to-access area between a wall and air conditioning equipment.
The futsal player’s team said in a statement on social media: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our athlete Luis Felipe Gomez de Jesus, our Gamy. We ask the Lord to welcome him with open arms and to comfort the hearts of his mother, his family, and all who loved him.
“May we pray for his soul without judgement, and may the Lord support his friends and all of us who remain. May God give us strength to face this moment of pain and difficulty, illuminating our steps and comforting our feelings.”
In a separate statement, announcing three days of official mourning and the suspension of competitions, the Espirito Santo Indoor Football Federation said: “The Espirito Santo Indoor Football Federation expresses its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and team-mates of Luiz Felipe Gomes de Jesus.
Learn more
Kitbag has slashed up to 50% off football kits and merch. Fans can find discounts on products from Premier League clubs including Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs and more.
Various Prices
Kitbag
“We are providing all necessary support to his family and team at this time of immense grief. May God comfort the hearts of all who loved him and strengthen those who remain to face this irreparable loss. We declare three days of official mourning within the Federation and suspend all competitions that were in progress.”
Hotel guest July Wandersane reacted by saying: “My condolences to this young man’s family and friends. I was in the hotel and witnessed the happiness and friendship within that team as well as how polite those boys were.
“My family and I who only saw him in those days are very sad. We cannot imagine the pain his family and friends must be experiencing.”
Futsal is an association football-based game played on a hard court which is a variation of mini football. It is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalie.
