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Christian Atsu dies aged 31 as ex-Premier League star’s body found 12 days after Turkey earthquake

Former Premier League star Christian Atsu went missing after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria 12 days ago and his death was confirmed on Saturday morning

Christian Atsu has died at age 31; his agent and manager have both confirmed this.

The former Premier League footballer, who played for both Newcastle United and Chelsea, went missing following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6. His body has now been discovered and the sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning.

Atsu was reported as missing within hours of the earthquake. He scored a last-minute winner for current club Hatayspor in their home game against Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa on Sunday, February 5, just hours before the devastating event unfolded. Atsu joined the Turkish side last September and was in the city of Antakya when the earthquake struck. He also represented the likes of Porto, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga during his career, as well as playing international football for Ghana.

Christian Atsu has died aged 31

His agent, Nana Sechere, said: “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 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.

“I ask that while we make the necessary arrangements, everyone please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”

Hatayspor tweeted, “Sorry for your loss. The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life in the collapse, is on his way to be sent to his hometown, Ghana. We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. Rest in peace.”

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has led to more than 45,000 deaths, with thousands more injured. It has ruined the lives of millions, with many people left without access to water, electricity or heat during a bitterly cold winter in the region.

Rescuers are still digging through the rubble tirelessly in the hope of finding survivors. A Syrian man even suffered a broken back after trying to protect his children from a collapsed ceiling. “As we were sleeping, we opened our eyes, stood up, and the ceiling fell on us,” Amani, 26, whose name has been changed, told The Mirror.

“Within seconds, I don’t know how long—in minutes—the ceiling was on top of us. We tried to walk out but we couldn’t; the ceiling immediately fell on us. We stayed for four hours under the rubble shouting and praying, but no one heard us.”

The quakes in Syria have compounded conditions that were already deemed unlivable by many. Whole families are now crammed into single tents at a time when the country remains at war. “It’s more difficult than the war itself,” says Jamal Balî, 35, an activist from Kobani.

The World Health Organization has described it as the worst natural disaster in 100 years as humanitarian efforts gather pace. The earthquake measured at least 7.8 on the Richter scale, causing serious damage to buildings along the fault line.

Boxing great Amir Khan has joined those attempting to help by working with Turkish Airlines to deliver vital aid to the country. Celebrity chef Salt Bae has promised to provide 5,000 meals every day to aid in the response to the devastating earthquake in his native Turkey.

A United Nations chief warned earlier this week that the death toll could eventually increase to more than 50,000.

Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told Sky News: “I think it is difficult to estimate precisely [how many have died] as we need to get under the rubble but I’m sure it will double or more.