ROMANIA, March 8: A 19-year-old footballer, Luca Manolache, tragically passed away after battling a mystery illness that had severely impacted his health in recent months. Manolache, who played for Romanian team Metaloglobus București, had to stop playing in August 2024 due to a series of alarming health issues.

The young athlete experienced prolonged fatigue, dizziness, chills, and bloody stools, symptoms which made it increasingly difficult for him to continue playing. Reports indicate that during a recent match, his condition worsened to the point where he struggled to finish the first half and required an ambulance after complaining of blackened vision.

On February 28, while out with a family member, Manolache began feeling unwell and an ambulance was called. As his condition rapidly deteriorated, he made a heartbreaking phone call to his mother, Ana. In a distressing moment, Luca reportedly said, "Mum, Mum, I can't do it anymore," and then asked her, "Do you think I'm dying?"

His mother rushed to the County Hospital in Targoviște, Romania, to be by his side but was tragically informed on the way that Luca had passed away.

An autopsy later revealed the cause of death to be drowning in his own stomach acid. After vomiting large amounts of blood, his body reportedly reacted negatively with the stomach acid, leading to fatal drowning.

In response to the heartbreaking loss, Metaloglobus București expressed their shock and sadness on social media. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field," the club wrote.

The statement continued, "The last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, playing 10 minutes from the reserve position. Following the game against CS Afumati, the player complained of fatigue during training, which led the technical staff to stop him from training and recommend thorough medical examinations."

The club concluded by honoring the young player: "Rest in peace dear 'Mano.' Sincere condolences to the grieving family, the entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments."

Manolache’s untimely death has left the football community in mourning, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.