Off The Record

A 19-Year-Old Football Player Drowns In His Own Stomach Acid While Speaking To His Mother On The Phone

Published on March 9, 2025

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 Bucure’ti. However, a slew of concerning health issues prompted him to retire from competition.

In recent months, he reportedly experienced bloody stools, chills, dizziness, and extended weariness. He also reportedly had trouble surviving the first half of a football game.

According to the Mirror, Luca stated that his eyesight became black during one game, which caused his symptoms to worsen to the point where an ambulance had to be summoned.

He started feeling ill on February 28 while out with a relative, who dialed 911. He called his mother as his health deteriorated.

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

While en route to the County Hospital in Targovişte, Romania, his mother, Ana, was notified that Luca had tragically died.

An autopsy determined that his death was caused by drowning in his own stomach acid.

He apparently drowned as a result of his body reacting poorly to his stomach acid after vomiting a lot of blood.

Posting on their Instagram, Metaloglobus Bucure’ti wrote: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought happiness on the field.”

“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. “

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