Cheick Tioté, former Newcastle and Ivory Coast midfielder, died suddenly on Monday while practicing with Beijing Enterprises. The 30-year-old football star collapsed around 6pm during training. He was immediately taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead an hour later, The Sun reports.
Tioté’s agent Emanuele Palladino made the announcement on Monday.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tioté sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises,” he said. “We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. We ask for all your prayers.”
Beijing Enterprises also released a statement on Monday:
“During a routine training session at 6pm today, Ivory Coast player Cheick Tioté suddenly fainted and the club immediately rushed him to hospital, but unfortunately efforts to save him failed and he passed away at 7pm. The player’s relatives have been informed. Beijing Enterprises football club expresses its deep sorrow and profound condolences for Mr Tioté’s untimely death.”
As word of the tragic news spread, tributes started pouring in from around the world, from both fans, football clubs and former teammates.
Tioté’s career as a pro football player took him from Belgium to the Netherlands to Newcastle to the Ivory Coast. Tioté moved to Beijing in February this year, after he joined Beijing Enterprises.
The cause of death is still unknown, though some are suspecting it was a heart attack. Tioté leaves behind a wife and two children. His wife is expecting their third child this week.
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