Family of US journalist Grant Wahl confirm cause of death

Written by Ali Condon

US journalist Grant Wahl tragically passed away at the age of 48 while covering the World Cup quarter final match between Argentina and Netherlands last weekend.

He was taken to hospital after collapsing in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium on Saturday (December 10).

US media seated near him said Mr Wahl fell back in his seat, prompting reporters to call for assistance.

“He received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital,” the World Cup organising committee said in a statement.

Sportimage / Alamy Stock Photo

“We are in touch with the US embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”

Mr Wahl's wife Dr Celine Gounder has since confirmed that he died after suffering an aortic aneurysm.

In a post to Wahl's blog on Wednesday, Celine wrote: "An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner's Office.

"Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium. The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.

"No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death."

The US Soccer Federation said in a statement: “We could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists.

“Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us."

Instagram/Grant Wahl

Mr Wahl was honoured with a tribute from FIFA on the desk where he had been due to work at the World Cup quarter-final match between France and England.

The tribute consisted of a posy of white lilies and a framed photograph of Wahl taken in Qatar was left at the media seat that had been assigned to the 48-year-old journalist.

Fifa said in a statement: “Tonight we pay tribute to Grant Wahl at his assigned seat in Al Bayt Stadium. He should have been here.

“Our thoughts remain with his wife Celine, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time."

Mr Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt in support of LGBTQ rights to the United States’ World Cup opener against Wales on November 21 and wrote that security refused him entry and told him to remove the shirt.

Mr Wahl had previously written about how he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then let go by a security commander.

His brother had expected 'foul play' but has since gone back on those statements.