Grant Wahl died after suffering an aortic aneurysm while covering the World Cup in Qatar, his wife has confirmed.
"It's just one of those things that had been likely brewing for years," Wahl's wife, Celine Gounder, said on CBS, per the Washington Post. Wahl, a well-regarded American sports writer, collapsed in his seat while reporting on last Friday's quarter-final between Argentina and Netherlands.
He was attended by medical professionals after the incident at Lusail Stadium, which occurred during extra time, and his death was later announced. Wahl, who had visited a hospital the previous Monday after feeling unwell, was reporting at his eighth World Cup.
Earlier in the tournament, he made headlines after he was refused entry to a stadium for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of LGBT rights in Qatar, where there is a strict and prohibitive regime. Wahl's brother, who is gay, claimed his sibling was killed but later retracted this allegation.
The journalist's body was repatriated to the United States on Monday and autopsy confirmed he died "from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm", his wife confirmed in a statement on his website.
Celine Gounder said: "Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in repatriating Grant, in particular the White House, the U.S. Department of State, FIFA, U.S. Soccer and American Airlines.
"An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office. Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium. The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.
"No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reacted to the sad news of Wahl's death with a statement of his own, saying: "It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
"Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women's World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events.
"His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game. On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife Celine, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time."
