When a teenage football player passed away from an unexplained illness, he was speaking to his mother on the phone.

Up until August 2024, 19-year-old Luca Manolache was a member of the Romanian team Metaloglobus București. However, a series of concerning health issues forced him to retire from playing.

In recent months, he reportedly experienced bloody stools, chills, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. He also struggled to make it through the first half of a football game.

According to the Mirror, Luca said his vision went dark during one game, and his symptoms worsened so much that an ambulance had to be called.

He started feeling unwell on February 28 while out with a relative, who called for help. As his condition worsened, Luca called his mother.

He reportedly said, “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore.” He then asked her, “Do you think I’m dying?”

While on the way to the County Hospital in Targoviște, Romania, his mother, Ana, was told that Luca had tragically passed away.

An autopsy revealed that his death was caused by drowning in his own stomach acid. He apparently drowned because his body reacted badly to his stomach acid after vomiting a large amount of blood.

Metaloglobus București posted on their Instagram: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.”

“The last time he wore the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in the match against CS Afumati, where he played for 10 minutes as a substitute.”

“After 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.”

“Rest in peace, dear ‘Mano.’ Sincere condolences to the grieving family. The entire Metaloglobus family is with you in these devastating moments.”