Celebrity deaths

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘True legend’ – Boris Becker leads tributes as German football icon and winner of four Euros Doris Fitschen dies aged 56

      by

      BORIS BECKER has led the tributes to German football legend Doris Fitschen, who has tragically passed away aged 56.Fitschen, who is one of German sport’s most iconic figures, has sadly lost her battle with cancer. German football legend Doris Fitschen has tragically passed away aged 56Credit: GETTYFitschen passed away following a battle with cancerCredit: RETROCON SPORTS FOOTBALLTennis icon Boris Becker has led the tributes to the late FitschenCredit: GETTYThe midfielder’s passing has rocked the German sports world, with several prominent figures paying their respects on social media.Tennis icon Becker wrote on X: “A true legend in German sports has sadly passed away. “Rest in peace, Doris Fitschen.”Fitschen was one of the most successful players in the history of German football.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSShe won seven Bundesliga titles and six German Cups during her stints with TSV Siegen and Eintracht Frankfurt. And she won a whopping FOUR STRAIGHT Uefa Women’s Championships with Germany, lifting the trophy in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2001.Fitschen made 114 appearances for her country from 1986 to 2001, scoring 16 goals in the process.Injury forced her to hang up her boots at the end of 2001, aged 32.Most read in FootballEintracht Frankfurt paid a touching tribute to the late Doris Fitschen on XBernd Neuendorf – the President of the German FA – also paid tribute to the late Fitschen, who was regarded by many to be one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.He said: “I am shocked and very sad about Doris’ death.”Our thoughts are with her family, all relatives, and her close friends.”Doris was one of the defining figures in football.”As a player, she was a leader, a strategist, and had a presence, dominance, and aura that others could look up to.”Fitschen’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, also put out a heartfelt statement upon learning of her death.It read: “We mourn the loss of a former FFC player and a key figure in German women’s football: Doris Fitschen died yesterday after a long and serious illness at the age of 56″Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBianca Rech – the director of Women’s Football at Bayern Munich – wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I bid farewell to a valued team-mate and an outstanding role model.”Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment on and off the field were always a source of inspiration to all of us.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Radisa Ilic dead at 47: Former Serbia and Partizan goalkeeper pronounced dead after ‘falling from apartment window’

      by

      SERBIAN football has been plunged into mourning after ex-international goalkeeper Radisa Ilic was found dead outside his apartment.Ilic, 47, won five league titles and two cups during two spells with Partizan Belgrade.Former Serbia international Radisa Ilic has been found deadCredit: GettyCapped once, he also played for Partizan’s city rivals OFK Beograd plus clubs in Romania and Greece.Ilic had worked as goalkeeping coach at Partizan and other Serbian’s sides since hanging up his boots in 2013.But he was pronounced dead on Thursday after falling from his apartment window, according to Belgrade media.Partizan paid tribute to Ilic in a heartfelt message on their website.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club wrote: “FK Partizan is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Radisa Ilic who died today at the age of 47.”During his career, Ilic spent two playing spells at Partizan – first one in a period between 1998 and 2003 followed by a 2010-2013 spell.”When he returned to the club in 2010, he made a great contribution to help Partizan reach Champions League group stage. “He was pivotal in CL qualifiers and took part in unforgettable penalty shoot-out series against Anderlecht, when Belgian team players missed three penalties, allowing Partizan to progress to the competition`s group stage.Most read in Football”This heroic performance made him a fans’ favourite and earned him a chant ‘You’re our No.1 keeper, Radisa!’.”Ilic was born in Bajina Basta, making his early football step locally before moving to nearby Uzice to play for Sloboda where he spent four years. Partizan took the note of his great performances and signed him in 1998.He spent five seasons with the club before moving to National Bucuresti. Ilic was soon back in Serbian football, signing for Borac Cacak followed by a spell at OFK Beograd.He briefly played for Greek side Panserraikos, only to return to Borac followed by his second Partizan spell after which he retired.Partizan added: “Radisa Ilic will remain part of our history forever. “His dedication and legendary moments in the black-and-white shirt will never be forgotten.”Ilic left an indelible mark at our club and his name will forever be proudly mentioned among Partizan aficionados. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘hero’ and former coach who ‘gave so much to help footballers’ dies aged 87 as emotional tributes pour in

      by

      TRIBUTES have been paid to ex-Manchester City player and coach Steve Fleet who’s died aged 87.The goalkeeper was recently diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.Former club Stockport County confirmed on social media he recently passed away.Fleet, from Salford, Greater Manchester, played for Bolton Wanderers as a schoolboy, before joining City as an amateur in 1953.After retirement he began coaching at County in 1970, which included a brief stint as caretaker manager, before returning to City and coaching its young stars for 25 years.County said in a tribute: “Everyone at Stockport County was saddened to learn about the death of our former goalkeeper, Football League champion and coach Steve Fleet, who passed away at the age of 87. “Everyone at Edgeley Park sends their condolences to Steve’s loved ones at this difficult time.”Fleet had also played for Wrexham for three years from 1963 before joining County as a player and winning the Fourth Division championship in 1966-67.He returned to City and then finished his career on the pitch at Altrincham.In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Once a Blue Man City Former Players Club wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you about the passing of yet another former City player, Steve Fleet.Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends. He was truly committed to our football club. God bless Steve x.”Steve Fleet played for Manchester City before becoming a coach More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Maradona ‘house of horrors’ REVEALED in first day of homicide trial as pic of late star’s bloated body shocks court

      by

      FOOTBALL legend Diego Maradona spent his last days in a “house of horror”, a prosecutor claimed during a trial over the sporting icon’s death in Argentina.The World Cup winner’s home care was “reckless and deficient”, according to chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari as he described the seven defendants on trial.A trial over the icon’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAArgentina’s legendary attacking midfielder Diego Maradona died in November, 2020Credit: AFPDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPThe defendants – who were called a bunch of “people who improvised” – are charged with homicide and face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Mr Ferrari told a Buenos Aires court that the carers were “absolutely indifferent” to the consequences of poor care provided to Maradona, delivering a hard hitting speech at the start of the trial. The prosecutor said: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is, reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death.“They co-operated in putting into place a series of factors or circumstances that increased the permitted risk to generate the death of Diego Armando Maradona which is something we say they were absolutely different to.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe prosecutor shocked the room by holding up a grim picture of the player’s last day, which showed the Argentinian icon lying on his back with his bloated stomach exposed under a lifted-up black T-shirt.“This is the way he died,” Ferrari told the court.Over 100 witnesses are set to give evidence in this trial, which will focus on the care he received at a house in Tigre when he died from heart failure in November 2020.Just before he died in 2020, he had returned to the house from a blood clot operation at a hospital.Most read in FootballAlthough the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, and his physiatrist Aguestina Cosachov, who were responsible for the footballer’s last days, are due to get in the dock.Former lover Veronica Ojeda, who is also the mother of his 12-year-old son, Dieguito, and his two grown-up daughters Dalma and Gianinna with his ex-wife Claudia Villafane, all attended the court session.When the haunting last image of Maradona was shown to the court, Dalma broke down in tears.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyThe star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersHis medical team face up to 25 years in prison if convictedCredit: AFPMr Ferrari said: “The right to truth is a human right and today Diego Armando Maradona, his children, his relatives, those closest to him and the Argentinian people deserve justice.He added that the public prosecution’s “solid” case was supported by messages from phones seized during property raids as well as witness evidence including the testimony of a number of medical experts.He continued: “We will show that between November 11 and 25 2020, Diego Armando Maradona was introduced into house 45 in the San Barrio neighbourhood in San Benavides in Tigre when, clearly the victim, he was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.“He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.He said the defendants “improvised” and that they “neglected all the duties they had”.”In that House of Horror where Diego Maradona died  no-one did what they had to do,” Mr Ferrari added.Before the hearing, his former partner Veronica Ojeda launched into an furious tirade at Agustina Cosachov.She was caught on camera from a distance shouting “Daughter of a b**ch”, before police stepped in to separate them.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe other defendants aside from Luque and Cosachov are nurses Ricardo Almiron; Nancy Forlini and Mariano Perroni: psychologist Carlos Diaz and doctor Pedro Di Spagno.An eighth person, nurse Gisella Dahiana Madrid, will be tried separately later this year.The World Cup winner was a club manager as well as a playerCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as late football icon’s medical team accused of fatal negligence over 2021 death

      by

      DIEGO Maradona’s medical team could face 25 years in prison as the football legends homicide trial starts today in Buenos Aires.The Argentinian star died after suffering a heart attack at his home in 2020 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot.Diego Maradona’s homicide trial has started todayCredit: ReutersDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPEight members of the World Cup winner’s medical team have been accused of negligence that contributed to his death at 60 years old.Each defendant has denied wrongdoing but risks between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted of “homicide with possible intent”.His neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who performed the surgery, is one of the seven people facing trial.Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, and nurses Mariano Perroni and Ricardo Almiron, will also appear in court.read more on maradonaThe day nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, who found Maradona dead just two weeks after his surgery, has asked to be tried by jury separately.More than 100 witnesses, including members of Maradona’s family and his doctors over the years, are expected to take the stand in the long-delayed trial in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro.Although the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Prosecutors have accused the medical team of pushing for Maradona to receive home care, which proved “reckless” and “totally deficient.”Most read in FootballThe night nurse said he had seen “warning signs” but had received orders “not to wake” Maradona.Prosecutors allege the footballer was abandoned to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death The football legends’ family claimed that leaked audio and text messages show that the star’s health was in imminent danger, said Mario Baudry, a lawyer for Maradona’s son Dieguito.He said the messages showed the medical team’s strategy was to try and ensure that Diego’s daughters did not intervene “because if they did, they (the medical staff) would lose their money.”The expert 2021 report that ignited this trial questioned why the football legend was released from hospital so soon after his surgery, saying: “The home confinement did not comply with norms and protocols.”The rented home Maradona stayed in notably did not have a defibrillator.This huge trial is expected to last until July.Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, said he was “very optimistic” of an acquittal, arguing his client was in charge of Maradona’s mental, not physical health.The World Cup winner’s death plunged Argentina into mourning during the pandemic.Maradona shaking hands with his doctor Leopoldo Luque in Olivos in 2020Credit: AFPFans outside the courthouse on TuesdayCredit: GettyTens of thousands of people queued to bid farewell to the former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker as his body lay in state in the presidential palace.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyLocals have remained heartbroken over the World Cup winner’s tragic death.READ MORE SUN STORIESpensioner Hilda Pereira told AFP: “All society needs to know… what really happened, who abandoned him… and whoever is responsible must pay the price.”Maradona “did not deserve to die as he died, alone,” she added, her voice quavering.The star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersEight people have been accused of ‘homicide with possible intent’Credit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Dick McTaggart dead aged 89: Tributes pour in after Britain’s best-ever amateur boxer and Olympic gold medallist dies

      by

      BRITAIN’s greatest amateur boxer Dick McTaggart has sadly died away aged 89. The Scottish slugger’s passing was announced by his family in an emotional social media statement. Dick McTaggart has sadly passed away aged 89Credit: RexMcTaggart is the only Scottish boxer to have ever won a gold medal at the OlympicsCredit: PAMcTaggart had a whopping 610 of his 634 amateur fightsCredit: GETTYIt read: “In loving memory of Dick McTaggart, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. “A true gentleman and legend in the boxing world. “His kindness, determination, humour and spirit will never be forgotten. “He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSTributes poured in for the late McTaggart – who turned his efforts to training the next generation of fighters following his retirement – from around the boxing world after the announcement of his death.A Commonwealth Games Scotland statement read: “Everyone at Commonwealth Games Scotland was saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend Dick McTaggart MBE.”Widely regarded as Dundee’s greatest ever sportsman, McTaggart won Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals as part of a remarkable amateur career, winning 610 of 634 bouts.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”Most read in BoxingDick Mctaggart won gold at the 1956 Olympics in AustraliaCredit: GETTYFormer WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur said: “Never mind Scotland… Dick Mctaggart is Great Britain’s greatest ever amateur boxer. “Remember a chat with Dick and him saying was nice winning the Olympic gold but imagine doing it in a Scottish vest! Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”Scotland might not see an Olympic boxer for years.”Boxing commentator Andy Clarke said of McTaggart at the BBBOC Awards in London: “He was a phenomenon.”One boxing fan wrote on X: “Rest in Peace, Dick McTaggart, and thank you.”Dick ran our Boxing Club at Crookston Castle School, until the bigwigs decided you needed to be a professional to teach.”Another said: “Rest in peace, champ.”McTaggart retired from boxing at 30 but closed the book on his career with accolades galore.The Dundonian’s finest achievement came at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, where he became the first Scottish boxer to win a gold medal.McTaggart made Scot’s Olympic history at the tender age of 21.Tributes poured in for the late Dick McTaggart from around the boxing worldCredit: PAMcTaggart was held in incredible esteem by his peersCredit: RexRecalling his triumph in a 2021 interview with The Courier, he said: “I had collected my gold medal and wanted to go away and celebrate with Terry Spinks, who had also won gold.”But I was told by the officials, ‘Do not leave the hall, there might be a wee surprise for you.’“Then, later on, they announced that I had won the Val Barker Trophy (which is awarded to the most outstanding boxer at the Games).”And that meant more to the British delegation that any of the other medals and prizes.”Because no British competitor had ever won it before. “And I reckon that I must have filled the trophy up with champagne about 150 times that night as everybody celebrated.”He’d competed at the Rome Olympics four years later but left the Eternal City with a bronze.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcTaggart would also win multiple Armed Forces titles during his time in the RAF.He’d also win gold at the 1960 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and an amateur European title. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballer, 19, dies after drowning in his own stomach acid and ringing mum to say ‘I can’t do this anymore’

      by

      A 19-year-old footballer has died suddenly after suffering from a mystery illness for months.Luca Manolache tragically called his mum in his final moments, and expressed concern that he may be dying to a nurse.Luca Manolache has tragically passed away aged 19Credit: Jam PressThe teenager’s cause of death was put down to drowning on his own stomach acid and a severe lung infection, according to the autopsy verdict.Reports suggest he also suffered a ruptuered aorta, triggering an internal haemorrhage.His mum, Ana Maria Manolache, and his dad Viorel, have been left utterly devastated over their son’s tragic passing.The former FCSB – previously known as Steaua Bucharest – and Dinamo player was extremely dedicated to his football, and never liked to miss a single game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn 28 February, he began feeling severely unwell whilst out with a family member, Ana’s godson, who called an ambulance.Ana told local press that her son called her whilst she was in Bucharest, Romania, where she works.As his condition worsened, in the brief phone call, Luca was fearful and said: “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore”.While Ana told press that he has asked a nurse on the scene: “Do you think I’m going to die?”.Most read in FootballManolache used to play for FCSBCredit: IMAGO/sport pictures-Razvan PasaricaWhilst in the ambulance, Luca began to complain that his vision disappeared, and that he couldn’t see anything.Ana rushed to be with her son who was transported to the County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania.She unfortunately did not make it there in time, and Luca’s sister called her to tell her that he had passed away.Doctors worked hard to save his life however his body began to negatively react with his stomach acid, causing him to drown.Doctors told Ana that the circumstances of her son’s death were extremely rare.Luca was a midfielder for Metaloglobus București, but hadn’t played a single match since August 2024.He was forced to stop playing due to a series of incidents which saw him suffer from prolonged fatigue, dizziness and chills.The team and his parents began noticing that he was struggling to get through even just half of a football match.His football coach began to believe that he wasn’t preparing properly for his football games.One match even resulted in an ambulance being called as Luca complained that his vision had become black, and that he felt weak.He would have convulsions and a high temperature, but x-rays of his lungs and blood tests all came back normal.A physical test showed that he could only run on a treadmill for 10 minutes, and after stopping he immediately started to shake and had a fever.Manolache had been suffering from illness for monthsCredit: Jam PressDoctors presumed that Luca must have a strong infection in the body, and so they administered him antibiotics, paracetamol and pain medication.Luca took these tablets for a short time, and further repeated tests on his lungs, heart and gallbladder came back clear.One medical episode saw him spend two weeks in hospital after being taken in as an emergency.A doctor found that he had some peripheral blood vessels in his lungs however this was not seen as a serious issue.He had injections and took some medication to prevent his blood from clotting, a treatment which he had for six months.During this time, he was prohibited from exercise and his parents even took him to private clinics so he could be examined.His death came suddenly, shocking his relatives but also his teammates who he played football with.Metaloglobus București shared an emotional post on their Instagram just days ago in tribute to Luca, as reported by NeedToKnow.“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” they wrote.“His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.“The last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, playing 10 minutes from the reserve position.“Following the game against CS Afumati, the player complained of fatigue during training, which led the technical staff to stop him from training and recommend thorough medical examinations.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Rest in peace dear ‘Mano’.“Sincere condolences to the grieving family, the entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments.”Tributes have poured in for the 19-year-oldCredit: Jam Press More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Jenny Alcorn dead aged 66: Tributes pour in as world champion athlete passes away following brain cancer battle

      by

      AUSTRALIAN triathlon star Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66 following a battle with cancer.Alcorn heartbreakingly passed away on Monday, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023.Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66Credit: FacebookAlcorn had a glittering career spanning over 30 years that saw her both work as a coach and compete as an athlete.Last year she was honoured for that incredible contribution to sport by receiving the President’s Special Recognition Award at the AusTriathlon Awards.She was also nominated for the prestigious Daphne Pirie Spirit of Sport Award last year too.Other achievements for the incredible athlete included carrying the Australian flag at the 2018 World Championships on the Gold Coast and winning the Kona Ironman at the age of 55 after coming out of retirement.READ MORE IN SPORTTributes have poured in for the hero, with so many sharing warm memories of Alcorn.Alcorn’s partner Margot Rupe said: “She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible.”She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children.”Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game.Most read in AthleticsAlcorn will be remembered as a triathlon legend in AustraliaCredit: Facebook”Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person.”We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.”AusTriathlon added: “Triathlon has lost a legend, but Jenny Alcorn’s impact has forever strengthened our sport.”Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know her.”Ricky Kroesen, who was coached by Alcorn, revealed that the superstar champion “passed peacefully with her partner and loyal dog Kona by her side”.Adding: “We will miss you”.Alcorn helped to coach and mentor some of Australia’s top triathletes, including Ashleigh Gentle and Olympic champion Emma Snowsill.And her own athletics career was punctuated by victories across various Age Group World Championships, and saw her recognised as a ‘Legend of the Sport’ by AusTriathlon. More