WASHINGTON (AP) — The physique and possessions of soccer journalist Grant Wahl had been repatriated to america on Monday after his dying final week whereas protecting the World Cup in Qatar, a senior State Division official mentioned.
The official mentioned Wahl’s stays and his belongings arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport round 8:30 a.m. ET. They had been accompanied by a consular official from the U.S. Embassy in Doha who had had custody of Wahl’s stays since shortly after he collapsed throughout Friday’s match between Argentina and the Netherlands and later died.
The official, who spoke on situation of anonymity due to privateness considerations, had no extra particulars however mentioned the embassy in Qatar had been working with Wahl’s household to make sure the repatriation went easily.
Wahl, an American journalist who helped develop the recognition of soccer in america and reported on among the greatest tales within the sport, was 49.
Tributes to Wahl have poured in since his dying and on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken added his voice to the refrain of appreciation.
“I so appreciated Grant Wahl, whose writing captured not solely the essence of the attractive recreation but additionally the world round it,” Blinken wrote on Twitter about an hour after the repatriation was full.
“I ship my deepest condolences to his household, and thank our embassy crew and Qatari companions who labored collectively so successfully to satisfy their needs,” Blinken wrote.
Wahl, who had complained of respiratory issues earlier within the week and had been handled for a attainable case of bronchitis, fell again in his seat in a bit of Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists throughout further time of the sport, and reporters adjoining to him referred to as for help.
Emergency providers employees responded in a short time, handled him for 20 or half-hour on web site after which took him out on a stretcher. The World Cup organizing committee mentioned he was taken to Doha’s Hamad Basic Hospital, but it surely didn't state a reason for dying.
Wahl wrote for Sports activities Illustrated for greater than 20 years after which began his personal web site. He was a significant voice informing an American public of soccer throughout a time of elevated curiosity after america hosted the 1994 World Cup.
He additionally introduced a important eye to the worldwide organizing our bodies of the game.
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