Lusail, Qatar — Grant Wall, one of the most famous football writers in the United States, died early Saturday morning while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. he was 48 years old.
US media sitting near him said Wall collapsed in his seat in the Lusail Iconic Stadium press box during extra time and a reporter next to him called for help. , paramedics responded very quickly and were later informed that Mr. Wall had died.
“He received emergency treatment immediately at the scene and was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital,” the World Cup Organizing Committee said in a statement, though the cause of death was not listed. We are in contact with the U.S. Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure that the remains are repatriated as desired.”
Wall had covered his eighth World Cup. He wrote on his website on Monday that he had visited a clinic in Qatar.
“My body has finally broken down. Three weeks of lack of sleep, high stress, and a lot of work will do it for you,” Wall wrote. On the night of the USA-Netherlands game, he felt a new level of pressure and discomfort in his upper chest.
“I didn’t have Covid (we have regular tests here), but I went to the main media center clinic today and was told I might have bronchitis. Antibiotics. I was prescribed a substance and a strong cough syrup, and after just a few hours I’m already feeling a little better.
On Thursday’s podcast, Wall said he had a case of bronchitis and visited the clinic again.
“I basically canceled everything I had this Thursday and took a nap. I think you can tell by my voice that it’s not 100 percent here, but I’m feeling slightly better.” he said. “I hope I don’t cough during this podcast. I’m by no means the only one who has it, and it sounds like a death rattle at times.
“The only thing that surprises me is that we don’t have that much COVID here. I just see a lot of common ailments: coughs, colds and I can’t wait to be on the other side of what I have.. But I’m ready to go. Will join.
During the World Cup, Wall said he was temporarily sidelined from the United States’ match against Wales on November 21 for wearing a rainbow T-shirt to support those who identify as LGBTQIA+. After that, it attracted international attention. Qatar is a conservative Muslim country.
Wall wrote that he was released by a security force commander after being detained for 25 minutes at Al Rayyan’s Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. Wall said FIFA apologized to him.
A 1996 graduate of Princeton University, Wall worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, primarily known for his coverage of football and college basketball. He then launched his own website. Wall said from 2012 until 2019 he also worked for Fox Sports.
He is bequeathed by his wife Celine Gownder, Ph.D., clinical associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, attending physician at Bellevue Hospital Center, and medical news contributor for CBS News.
go down tweeted friday night She was in “complete shock” and thanked everyone who supported her husband.
State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a tweet that the United States was “working with senior Qatari officials to ensure his family’s wishes are fulfilled as quickly as possible.”
Sports Illustrated issued a statement through co-editors Ryan Hunt and Stephen Cannella saying they were “shocked and devastated by the news of Grant’s passing.”
“We are proud to have called him a colleague and friend of 20 years.In the history of SI, we have been so passionate about the sport he loved and the story he wanted to tell. “Our hearts go out to Celine, his family and everyone who loved his work. He will always be part of the SI family.”
Among Wall’s works for Sports Illustrated was the famous “Chosen One” cover story in 2002 when LeBron James was a junior in St. Vincent St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.
After the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the 76ers in overtime, James said in Philadelphia, “He was always by my side and so cool. He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron. St. V’s.” I will always remember me as a teenager with Grant in our building.It’s a tragic loss.It’s such a shame to lose such a great man.I wish his family well.” May he rest in Paradise.”
American soccer too issued a statement On Friday night, they said they were “broken” by learning of Wall’s death.
US Football Statement on Grant Wall’s Passing: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— US Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
A voter of FIFA’s annual awards, Wall was one of 82 journalists honored by FIFA and the international sports press association AIPS for participating in eight or more World Cups.
“Just a few days ago, Grant was recognized by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to the coverage of eight consecutive FIFA World Cups. It included participation in a host of sporting events,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “His love for football is immense and his report will be missed by all who follow the game around the world.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
