Soccer journalist Grant Wahl tragically died in Qatar while covering the World Cup and his brother has called for an investigation.
The 48-year-old journalist’s death was confirmed on Thursday evening but the cause of death has not been released to the public yet.
NPR can confirm the death of longtime soccer sportswriter Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl). He died today in Doha, Qatar while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal. Story to come.
— Russell Lewis (@rdlewis) December 10, 2022
U.S Soccer released a statement on Twitter:
U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
Wahl’s wife, Celine, also confirmed the news, thanking everyone for their support:
I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight.
I'm in complete shock. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE
— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022
Grant’s brother Eric has now called for an investigation into the cause of his brother’s untimely death.
Eric claims that:
“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 help”
Watch below:
Eric Wahl, the brother of sportswriter Grant Wahl who died in Qatar while covering the World Cup, is asking for help.
Grant was detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt two weeks ago pic.twitter.com/lak0b1UZwa
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 10, 2022
Grant wore a rainbow shirt to show his support for the LGBTQ+ community at the start of the world cup and was briefly detained by authorities.
Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. “You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.” pic.twitter.com/TvSGThMYq8
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 21, 2022
Devastating. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Grant.
