Former Lyon and Saint-Etienne footballer Kenzo Kies has died after a drowning tragedy. The 21-year-old had been declared brain dead following an incident in the Rhone River, and AS Saint-Étienne confirmed his death tonight.
Incident Details
The footballer had been enjoying the French heatwave near the Parc de la Feyssine, between Villeurbanne and Caluire-et-Cuire, where swimming is forbidden. Emergency services were alerted around 5:30pm on Monday. Local reports indicate that four individuals, including Kies, were swept away by a powerful current.
Two people were rescued from the river without needing medical assistance, while a third was pulled from the water, resuscitated, and taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. Kies could not be initially located; divers eventually retrieved him, but he was declared brain dead after resuscitation attempts.
Football Career
Kies began his football journey at French powerhouse Lyon, progressing through their youth system before switching to AS Saint-Étienne. His contract expired last summer, and he transferred to Ligue 2 outfit En Avant Guingamp, where he had been playing for their second string.
According to AS Saint-Étienne, the club expressed deep sorrow over the loss. A club spokesperson said: "We are devastated by the tragic death of Kenzo. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Ongoing Coverage
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
