German second-tier side Fortuna Düsseldorf is in mourning following the tragic death of their young Ghanaian player, Newton Opoku-Mensah. The 17-year-old drowned in a swimming accident at a lake in Duisburg on Tuesday evening, and despite urgent efforts to save him, he passed away in the hospital.

The club issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Opoku-Mensah’s family, the U17 team, and the staff at the youth development center. In tribute, all training sessions and matches for the club’s youth teams have been suspended.

Klaus Allofs, a member of Fortuna Düsseldorf’s board, described the loss as a “devastating shock.” He added, “Newton was a young man living his dream, and to lose him so suddenly is incomprehensible. Our thoughts are with Newton’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”