French footballer Kenzo Kies, who played for Ligue 2 side Guingamp, has died at the age of 21 after drowning in the Rhone river. Kies was reportedly in critical condition when emergency services retrieved him from the water on Monday, subsequently passing away in hospital.
Kies and three companions had entered the river close to Lyon, seeking respite from the intense heatwave currently affecting France. Temperatures in parts of the country have soared to 40C this week. While three individuals were safely rescued by emergency services, Kies was the last to be located and pulled from the water.
This tragic incident occurs as France grapples with a significant number of heatwave-related drownings. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated earlier this week that 40 people had drowned in such circumstances since last Thursday. The extreme weather conditions highlight the dangers associated with seeking relief in natural waterways during periods of high temperatures.
Kies had been part of the youth development systems at prominent French clubs Lyon and Saint-Etienne before making the move to Guingamp last year, where he was a member of their reserve team. Both clubs have expressed their profound sorrow following the news of his death.
Guingamp posted a tribute on social media platform X, stating: "Guingamp has had the sorrow of learning of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player with the club." The club affirmed its commitment to offering "full support" to Kies' family during this "painful ordeal." Saint-Etienne also issued a statement, remembering Kies as "a talented player and discreet young man appreciated by all." They have confirmed plans to honour Kies at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium at the beginning of the forthcoming season.