Cameroonian Player Dies after Collapse on Pitch

Patrick Ekeng, a Cameroon international playing in Romania for Dinamo Bucharest, collapsed on the pitch today in a match against Viitorul Constanta and was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Ekeng had just subbed in the game seven minutes prior and was milling around the middle of the pitch when his legs appeared to weaken. He then fell backwards and remained there on his back. The players on the field noticed almost immediately and play stopped so that he could be tended too. Medics called for an ambulance and he was put on a stretcher and taken away as everyone looked on in disbelief.

It does not appear that he received the best medical attention in transit to the hospital. According to local reports, the ambulance did not have any equipment in it, it was only intended to be used for transportation. He did not receive any first aid in the stadium and it reportedly took two minutes and 47 seconds for Ekeng to be taken to the ambulance. He was eventually taken to Floreasca Emergency Hospital, which was only two minutes away from the stadium, and nearly 200 fans assembled outside waiting for news.

First medical report is shocking. The hospital's spokesperson says NO pro first aid was given to Ekeng at the stadium. Shocking. Shocking.
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Fabrice Muamba 15 electric shocks on the pitch before being taken to the hospital. Ekeng: 0.
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Nobody helped Ekeng with cardiac massage at the stadium, the hospital's spokesperson said.
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Dinamo's doctor: 'there were moments when Ekeng was coming back. We got to the hospital in 1min'
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Dinamo's doctor: 'the player received cardiac massage in the ambulance'
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Dinamo's doctor: 'we only performed cardiac massage in the ambulance'
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Dinamo's doctor says he did everything he could to save Ekeng. Also, he insists he performed cardiac massage in the ambulance.
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Dinamo's director of football: 'Ekeng didn't have any problem before the game'
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

According to Digisport, the ambulance at Dinamo's stadium didn't have any equipment on it. It was only there for TRANSPORTATION.
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) May 6, 2016

Ekeng's wife had just left Romania for France yesterday. He was to join her and his family for vacation next Wednesday after the final game of the season. Ekeng was 26 years old.