Lokeren announced the death of its defender Gregory Mertens on Thursday. The 24-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on the football field during a reserve game on Monday.
Lokeren announced the death of its defender Gregory Mertens on Thursday. The 24-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on the football field during a reserve game on Monday.
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The defender collapsed during the first half of a friendly game against Genk and was taken to the local hospital where he was in an induced coma.
Gregory Mertens in critical condition —
The defender collapsed during the first half of a friendly game against Genk and was taken to the local hospital where he was in an induced coma.
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Mertens played his football in Belgium with Lokeren, which competed in this season's Europa League. He joined the club from Cercle Brugge in January 2014.
Gregory Mertens in critical condition —
Mertens played his football in Belgium with Lokeren, which competed in this season's Europa League. He joined the club from Cercle Brugge in January 2014.
Laurie Dieffembacq/AFP/Getty Images
He has been described as an "elit athlete" by the club's team doctor who said everyone was shocked by Monday's events.
Gregory Mertens in critical condition —
He has been described as an "elit athlete" by the club's team doctor who said everyone was shocked by Monday's events.
Laurie Dieffembacq/AFP/Getty Images