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Former Polish National Deaf team goalkeeper drowns during training session

05.11.2024 14:30
Mateusz Hempe, goalkeeper for the Polish National Deaf Football Team and third-division club Noteć Czarnków, tragically drowned during a club training session.
Mateusz Hempe.
Mateusz Hempe.Photo: fb/Reprezentacja Polski Niesłyszących w Piłce Nożnej

Hempe, 32, entered the river in an attempt to retrieve a stray ball but was swept away by the current despite efforts from his teammates to save him.

The club in Czarnków and the Polish Deaf Football Team portal confirmed the heartbreaking news of Hempe’s passing. The accident occurred on Monday evening when Hempe tried to recover a ball from the river. Although teammates rushed to assist, they were unable to reach him in time. Firefighters recovered his body two hours later.

Hempe had been dedicated to both the national deaf football and futsal teams for many years and had defended the colors of Noteć Czarnków for 13 consecutive seasons. The club, which currently competes in Poland's third division (fourth tier), is mourning the loss of a beloved player and teammate.

(jh)

Source: PAP