In a tragic turn of events, a Belgian soccer player died on the pitch just shortly after saving a penalty.
On Saturday, Arne Espeel, who is the goalkeeper for Winkel Sport B, collapsed on the pitch during a game against Westrozebeke in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium.
According to the Daily Mail, Winkel Sport was 2-1 up before Westrozebeke was awarded a penalty in the second half.
Espeel managed to save the penalty, however, immediately after doing so, he collapsed on the pitch.
Medical professionals did their best to assess the situation and even used a defibrillator to try and revive him, but he was unfortunately pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the nearest hospital.
Following the tragic event, the Belgian soccer club issued a statement, saying: "Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning at the sudden passing of goalkeeper Arne Espeel. We wish Arne's family and friends our heartfelt condolences at this heavy loss.
"Football is taking a back seat for some time."
Stefaan Dewerchin, a Winkel Sport B assistant also said: "The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell.
"It was really terrible to watch. All the players showered together after the incident. When the message came that our goalkeeper was dead, it was an unusually heavy blow.
"I think some players still don't realise exactly what happened," Dewerchin added.
Speaking to Flemish news outlet, Het Nieuwsblad, Patrick Rotsaert, the club's sporting director described the tragedy as "a shock" to everyone.
"It's a tragedy and a shock to us," he said. "Arne had been with the club his whole life, and he was dearly loved. It's a really hard blow."
Upon hearing the news, fans of the goalkeeper took to Twitter to share their thoughts. Many also left tributes for the late athlete.
"This weekend, Arne Espeel (25) had just saved a penalty and then shortly after he collapsed and passed away. He died doing what he loved. Every day can be your last so try to enjoy life while you can," wrote one user while another tweeted: "The New Norm - Arne Espeel, A 25-year-old goalkeeper died suddenly during a football match in West Flanders, Belgium on Saturday evening. According to a local news outlet VRT, the young goalkeeper of Sint-Eloois-Winkel stopped the penalty kick, but he then collapsed."
Some even compared it to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest.
"The description of how @arne_espeel died - looks eerily similar to how Hamlin fell. I can’t find video of Espeel’s collapse," one user stated.
An autopsy was conducted earlier this week, however, Espeel's cause of death has yet to be confirmed publicly.
Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.
