BUDAPEST: Trinidad and Tobago international defender Akeem Adams has died after suffering a brain haemorrhage after a training session with his Hungarian club Ferencvaros two months ago.
The 22-year-old, capped eight times for Trinidad and Tobago, suffered a heart attack in Budapest on September 25.
He had been in hospital ever since since, awaiting a heart transplant, and underwent three operations, having his left leg amputated to alleviate circulatory problems.
A club statement said: “We have the painful task of announcing the death of our Trinidad and Tobago player, Akeem Adams on December 30.”
Adams signed for Ferencvaros last summer and had played six matches for them.
Cousin Roland Dick said the family back in Port Fortun had spoken to Adams, via Skype, “for about an hour” on Boxing Day. Dick added: “He gave us the thumbs up and . . . gave us a wave, we not knowing that was his final goodbye to us.”
Dick said doctors eventually advised that Adams not speak because they did not want him to exert himself. He said each day prayer services and night vigils were held in the community for Adams’s recovery and for him to have a successful heart transplant on February 4.
Arrangements were being made to have his body flown to Trinidad.
Trinidad’s former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said: “I think he had suffered enough. It is sad, he was still a flower of his youth. A young footballer.” He said the void left in the sports world, particularly in football, because of Adams passing would not be easily filled. On behalf of the Independent Liberal Party, which he leads, Warner extended condolences to Adams’s family and friends.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) said it was “deeply saddened” by news of Adams’ death. It quoted his uncle, Ivan Dick, saying: “He went on his own. This was God’s call. He is at peace now. We wish to thank all of those who offered their support to Akeem and his family. He touched us all in so many ways.”
TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee said: “No words can fully express our grief and dismay on what has happened. Everyone in our football fraternity is deeply affected by this. Not only was he a promising and dedicated footballer, but he was also a fine young man.”
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