Extremely sad news from Belgium.
The world of soccer is in mourning after 24-year-old defender Gregory Mertens passed away this afternoon.
The Lokeren defender had been in an induced coma at a Genk hospital after collapsing early in an u21 game, but sadly lost his fight.
The player suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, and his condition had been worseing in in recent days.
The club confirmed his passing this afternoon.
Lokeren: “Today something happened that no one could ever suspect or dare imagine. Much too soon, we say goodbye to Gregory Mertens."
— BeNeFoot (@BeNeFoot) April 30, 2015
"Everyone at Lokeren breathes football. But suddenly something happens that shows you football is just football. This is such a time."
— BeNeFoot (@BeNeFoot) April 30, 2015
