A football club has confirmed the death of their player after he went missing following a night out with his team-mates.
Jakov Jelkic, who played for Swiss third division side FC Granges-Paccot, was with team-mates in Alicante and reportedly went missing after leaving a nightclub. It was reported that the 24-year-old was partying with team-mates after flying over the Spain for a tournament.
Jelkic, it has been claimed, was apparently seen leaving a bar on a night out before falling into the sea. As reported by the Mirror, he then failed to return to his hotel, with staff reporting him missing before his family put out a desperate appeal on social media to find him.
However, police have now confirmed that his body was pulled from the waters of Alicante port on Monday evening at around 5:30pm, with his death considered accidental.
In a heartfelt statement written on Instagram, FC Granges-Paccot said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of Jakov’s passing. All our thoughts go to his family, friends, teammates and all the people who knew him closely or from afar.
“His memory will remain forever engraved in our hearts. A friend, a teammate, an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.”
Tributes started to pour in after the announcement. Fellow Swiss side FC Schoenberg replied: “Dear friends of FC Granges-Paccot, we learned with great sadness the death of your player. In these difficult moments, FC Schoenberg wishes to send you and his family and relatives our deepest condolences. Football creates strong bonds beyond the pitch and today we share your pain.”
Fans also offered their message of support. One wrote: “Forever in our hearts. Condolences to all the family, friends & team,” while another said: “In support of the family, the players, and all his relatives, all my sympathy.”
Jelkic had scored one goal for the club so far this season. Granges-Paccot currently sit sixth in the Swiss third tier after 11 games of the season. They have won four matches so far this term. They are next set to be in action next month as they travel FC Ressudens, with their next match at home coming against Montagny in early April.
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