Belgian Defender Gregory Mertens Dies
LOKEREN, Belgium, April 30 (UPI) — Lokeren defender Gregory Mertens died Thursday from a heart condition three days after collapsing on the pitch during a match with Genk.
The club announced his family’s decision to remove life support after three days of watching his condition worsen. He died Thursday afternoon.
“Gregory was only one and a half years at the club, but in that short time his quiet modesty made him an indispensable person,” the club said in a statement.
The club said details about his specific heart condition remain unclear.
Lokeren said he always passed his medical exams and there was nothing indicating he had a heart condition.
He passed all the required exams by the governing body UEFA and was considered one of the fittest players in the club.
