Body of ex-Villarreal player who went missing for 2 days after swimming on his birthday found
- Franco Costa lost his life in a tragic incident that occurred on his 25th birthday
- The former Uruguyan U20 went missing in the Pando River while trying to swim across
- Costa's body was found two days later after a non-stop search was conducted
- He had brief spells with Villarreal and Racing Santander before moving back to his homeland
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Former Villarreal star Franco Acosta's body has been found dead two days after it disappeared from the river, The Sun.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan was attempting to swim across the Pando River from one end to the another before tragedy struck.
Eyewitnesses including his brother who managed to survive, fishermen and locals practising water sports said that they heard him call for help before they tried to rescue him.
Source: Getty Images
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The Uruguayan Navy immediately launched a search but was not found on Saturday, March 6, the incident occurred.
Acosta was then found on Monday, March 8, near the spot where he was last seen in the Pando River.
The Uruguayan FA released a statement about the former U20 star on Twitter:
“We sincerely regret the death of the Uruguayan footballer Franco Acosta, who was a member of the national team’s youth squads.
“Our condolences to his relatives, friends and team-mates.”
Acosta had spells with Spanish sides including Villarreal and Racing Santander before returning home to play for second-division Uruguayan side Club Atletico Atenas.
Villarreal said in a tweet:
“Deeply affected by your loss. We will always remember you Franco. Rest in peace.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Ghanaian football fraternities have been thrown into deep mourning following the untimely death of young 15-year-old footballer Linus Issahaku who died after sustaining a head injury.
According to the information released by respected Sports Reporter Saddick Adams, he claimed that the deceased suffered a head injury while playing for second division side Catholic Stars FC.
Adams added that the player was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention and all efforts to save him were futile as he eventually died.
Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor with Legit.ng and has 7 years of field and office experience. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in English and Literature Studies. Akan intends to educate, inform and make readers passionate about sports. Learn more about him on his Twitter handle: @ anwankwo_akan
Source: Legit.ng
