Turkey Earthquake: Ghana Football Star Christian Atsu Found Dead, Confirms Agent

Christian Atsu, a former forward for Newcastle United and Chelsea, is said to have been discovered dead after going missing for days following the Turkish earthquakes.

Before moving to Turkey, Atsu was a talented player from the Chelsea academy who played for Hatayspor until tragically passing away.

READ ALSO: I Noticed My Building Shaking And Then… Nigerian Survivor of Turkey Earthquake

The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in Hatay that was severely damaged by the earthquake.

His team Hatayspor initially stated that he was saved “with injuries,” however that statement was then altered. Atsu’s “precise room location” was established, and several pairs of his shoes were discovered, according to Hatay resident Nana Sechere.

🚨 The last view from nönü Boulevard Ekinci Mahallesi No: 62 Renaissance Residence, which is said to be in Christian Atsu and Taner Savut’s wreckage.
🇬🇭🇹🇷 #earthquake #turkeyearthquake

Christian Atsu has yet to be found. We’re still with you in the difficult times Turkey. pic.twitter.com/fhVpCTLvjV

— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) February 7, 2023

Also, the agent said that thermal imaging cameras had detected “up to five life” beneath the debris, but that it had not been feasible to validate such indications.

He added that “things are moving incredibly slow” and they “urgently need more resources, including a translator”, adding that as a result “any rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost.”

And said it was “unfortunate” that Atsu’s Turkish club was “not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian”.

“Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge, would be extremely helpful,” he added.

BREAKING: Christian Atsu’s agent has confirmed ‘Atsu has been found dead’ pic.twitter.com/ASlLgRjxS3

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 18, 2023

Atsu’s partner Claire Rupio requested equipment be sent to the destroyed building where he was residing last week.

“It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian,” Sechere tweeted on Tuesday.

“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.”

Atsu shared a residence with several Hatayspor players and administrators. Taner Savut, the club’s director of athletics, is also absent.

Following the earthquakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria, which are known to have killed more than 40,000 people, some survivors are still being rescued.