Germany: Under-17 player Opoku-Mensah drowns

Football talent Newton Opoku-Mensah from Fortuna Düsseldorf's Under-17 team drowned while swimming in a Duisburg lake.

"We are deeply shocked and cannot believe this news," said Fortuna's sports director Klaus Allofs on Wednesday. Newton Opoku-Mensah from Düsseldorf's U17 team was at the lake with club colleagues on Tuesday when the 16-year-old suddenly went under. The Duisburg public prosecutor's office confirmed today that the autopsy showed death by drowning.

The club cannot explain how the accident happened, the young player was fully training and physically fit. Nothing more can be said.

Opoku-Mensah's resuscitation unsuccessful

The fire brigade was called to Bertasee at around 6:30 p.m. because a child had been reported to have gone under and not resurfaced. Water rescue teams and rescuers from volunteer and professional fire departments were dispatched immediately. A total of 50 emergency personnel were on site on Tuesday.

When the rescue workers arrived, several people were already in the water looking for the missing person, according to the fire brigade - among them were Opoku-Mensah's companions. After a short time, rescue divers found the young person, immediately resuscitated him and took him to hospital. According to the police, he died there that evening.

Fortuna youth training and games suspended

A message that caused horror at Fortuna, the entire performance area was in shock. As the club announced on Wednesday, "training and match operations for all youth teams from U9 to U19 will be suspended until further notice."

An autopsy is to be performed on Newton Opoku-Mensah's body.

Francis Tawiah (Duisburg, Germany)