Grant Wahl, a longtime American sportswriter, died on Friday.
The journalist and New York Times best-selling author was covering the World Cup in Doha, Qatar and reporting on the quarterfinals match between Argentina and Netherlands.
His wife, Dr. Céline Gounder, confirmed the news on her Twitter account. The United States Soccer Federation celebrated Wahl’s ability to “advance human rights” through his words.
Wahl’s coverage was critical of the Qatari World Cup organizers and their apathy surrounding the death of migrant workers. Wahl was also previously detained for wearing a t-shirt supporting LGBTQ rights.
U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
Wahl reportedly collapsed in the media tribune and was removed from the stadium on a stretcher, per the Los Angeles Times. The initial cause of death is unknown.
Wahl’s brother, Eric, posted on Instagram that Grant was healthy and believes that the journalist was killed.
The media world and the soccer world remembered Wahl after the horrible and unimaginable tragedy.
Grant Wahl was unbelievably kind to everyone, but I was especially touched by how warm and welcoming he was towards my mom when he realized she was a huge soccer fan. Heartbreaking news. https://t.co/v99QlQayoi
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl was my friend, one of the nicest, most truly decent people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I am flattened. https://t.co/tOd1ET6TZj
— Will Leitch (@williamfleitch) December 10, 2022
I am at a loss for words…. Grant Wahl was more than just *THE* soccer guy….. he was extremely kind and welcoming to everyone in the soccer world and most importantly- he was brave and when people didn’t have a voice he raised his for them.
— Rachel Bonnetta (@rachelbonnetta) December 10, 2022
I don’t even know what to say. RIP Grant Wahl. This day is from hell.
— Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl told a generation’s worth of stories about soccer to a country waking up to a beautiful sport. This is tragic. https://t.co/8BuQjKm0Ir
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 10, 2022
Unimaginably Awful news. Grant was a pioneer in football journalism in the United States. Condolences to his family and loved ones and this truly terrible time https://t.co/foe5V22Rpt
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 10, 2022
