Andres Balanta, a Colombian midfielder for the Argentinean team Atletico Tucuman, died at the age of 22 after collapsing during training.
According to local reports, Balanta was rushed to the hospital after collapsing during the team’s first practice after a short vacation.
Medical personnel performed CPR on the young athlete for more than 40 minutes before the ambulance arrived, but they were unable to save Balanta.
It is still unclear the cause of death, but reports said he died of a suspected heart attack.
A statement from Atletico Tucuman announcing Balanta’s passing read: “Atlético Tucumán regrets to confirm the death of Colombian soccer player Andrés Balanta. We embrace and accompany with deep respect your family and friends at this time.”
Atlético Tucumán lamenta confirmar el fallecimiento del futbolista colombiano Andrés Balanta.
Abrazamos y acompañamos con profundo respeto a sus familiares y amigos en este momento. pic.twitter.com/bwHWNrrk7h
— Atlético Tucumán (@ATOficial) November 29, 2022
The Colombian FA added: “The Colombian Football Federation regrets the death of Andres Balanta, player of the Colombia national team in its different divisions. We send our condolences to his family, friends and relatives. RIP”
La Federación Colombiana de Fútbol lamenta el fallecimiento de Andrés Balanta, jugador de la @FCFSeleccionCol en sus diferentes categorías. Enviamos nuestras condolencias a sus familiares, amigos y allegados. Q.E.P.D. pic.twitter.com/mqBTgfkAf2
— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) November 29, 2022
The Sun reported:
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, whose career was cut short last year as a result of a heart condition, was taken back by the news.
On a Twitch live stream, Aguero revealed he was warned what happened to Balanta could have happened to him if he kept on training and playing.
He said: “Balanta died, they say. In training? Now?
“That’s s***, I clearly remember that the doctor told me that that can happen, and that’s why they (the doctors) don’t allow me to play because what I had…
“I don’t know what happened with the controls [medical testing]… it’s really difficult…”
The revelation of Aguero’s heart condition happened shortly after he joined Barcelona.
The 34-year-old experienced chest discomfort during a match against Alaves in October 2021 and was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
Aguero later retired on medical advice.
