Grant Wahl's LAST MOMENTS: US journalist was 'laughing and joking' before he suddenly collapsed
LUSAIL, QATAR: The sudden death of the US journalist Grant Wahl has sent shock waves around the world. It has been said that he was in a Qatari stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Friday, December 9, when he collapsed and was then rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. Though the unfortunate case has led to intense speculation about his demise, some of his close friends, who were with him during his last moments, have shared their stories as well.
Rafael Cores, a digital media professional, who was reportedly sitting beside Grant in the media tribune during extra time on Friday, December 9, took to Twitter to disclose his shock. As per him, the 48-year-old's final moments were nothing but full of joy and laughter while he covered his last match that happened to be between Argentina and the Netherlands at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
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Cores tweeted, “I’m in shock. I was sitting next to him tonight. He was working on his story on his laptop, it was about 4 minutes before the end of the extra time. He was laughing at a joke we saw on Twitter only minutes earlier. I can’t believe it. My deepest condolences to @GrantWahl ’s family.”
I’m in shock. I was sitting next to him tonight. He was working on his story on his laptop, it was about 4 minutes before the end of the extra time. He was laughing at a joke we saw on Twitter only minutes earlier. I can’t believe it. My deepest condolences to @GrantWahl’s family https://t.co/wnWlxY9L3l
— Rafael Cores (@rafacores) December 10, 2022
This comes as the sportswriter’s brother, Eric Wahl, claimed that he did not die of natural causes. Referring to Grant’s short detention in Qatar because he donned a rainbow flag shirt, the grieving family member reportedly said, “My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl's brother. I'm gay. I'm the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.”
Eric also noted, “We're still trying to find out. He collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died according to Celine [Grant’s wife]. We just spoke with the state department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US State Department told DailyMail.com, “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl, and we send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see that his family’s wishes for his remains are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
They added, “When a US citizen dies abroad, the Department provides all appropriate consular assistance to the family and friends. Our consular staff at the US embassy in Qatar are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide consular assistance to US citizens during the World Cup. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family's wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also issued a statement that read, “It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl. 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.”