Patrick Ekeng, a Cameroon international playing in Romania for Dinamo Bucharest, collapsed on the pitch today in a match against Viitorul Constanta and was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Ekeng had just subbed in the game seven minutes prior and was milling around the middle of the pitch when his legs appeared to weaken. He then fell backwards and remained there on his back. The players on the field noticed almost immediately and play stopped so that he could be tended too. Medics called for an ambulance and he was put on a stretcher and taken away as everyone looked on in disbelief.

It does not appear that he received the best medical attention in transit to the hospital. According to local reports, the ambulance did not have any equipment in it, it was only intended to be used for transportation. He did not receive any first aid in the stadium and it reportedly took two minutes and 47 seconds for Ekeng to be taken to the ambulance. He was eventually taken to Floreasca Emergency Hospital, which was only two minutes away from the stadium, and nearly 200 fans assembled outside waiting for news.

Ekeng’s wife had just left Romania for France yesterday. He was to join her and his family for vacation next Wednesday after the final game of the season. Ekeng was 26 years old.