Jeferson Merli: Footballer Tragically Dies after Drowning During Swim with Girlfriend
- A Brazilian footballer tragically lost his life after disappearing during a swim in a river in Portugal
- The goalkeeper was with his girlfriend, who raised the alarm immediately to the emergency services
- His club has issued a moving tribute while thanking everyone who came together to help fly the body back home
A footballer has tragically lost his life after he vanished during a swim with his girlfriend.
Source: Instagram
His club, friends and family have paid tribute to Jeferson Merli, who is believed to have drowned in a river.
Who is Jeferson Merli?
Merli was a Brazilian international who played as a goalkeeper. He was born in Vista Alegre do Alto, near Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo
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As captured on PlayerMakersStats, the 27-year-old started his career in his native country with Uniao MS before moving to Spanish club Safor CF in 2019.
After two years in Spain, he moved to Portugal, where he played for Condor SC, Aguias da Graca, AD Lage 2022, Terras De Bouro, before joining GD Canales last year.
How did Jeferson Merli die?
Mail Sport reports that Merli went for a swim at the Homem River in Terras de Bouro, in north-western Portugal.
He was in the company of his girlfriend, who called the emergency services after he vanished beneath the water at around 6 pm on Saturday.
His body was recovered at 9:30 pm on the same day.
Jeferson Merli's club pays tribute to him
In a moving tribute, his club, Grupo Desportivo Canales, eulogised him as a 'friend and a professional' whose dedication would never be forgotten.
"It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that we received the news of the passing of our goalkeeper, Jeferson Merli."
Source: Instagram
"Jefferson, who had recently renewed with our club, leaves us with not only his dedication on the pitch, but also the friendship, professionalism and the spirit of togetherness that have always characterised him."
"In this moment of sorrow, Grupo Desportivo Caldelas expresses its solidarity and sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of interacting with him. Our club will never forget your dedication and the mark you left on all of us. Rest in peace, Jeferson."
His former club, Gremio Ourinhos, also paid a touching tribute to the departing star. He featured for their U18s in 2016.
"Our condolences to family and friends for this irreparable loss 🥺
Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, exactly 10 years ago, we started our activities in the city of Ourinhos. Exactly 9 years ago, you were one of our highlights and security on the field. Rest in peace, boy. Thank you very much for everything, you will always be remembered by all our athletes, friends, committee and supporters of the Guild Ourinhos."
Funeral arrangements for Jeferson Merli
In a separate post, his club, GD Canales, had requested financial help to be able to repatriate Merli's body to his home country.
"GD Caldelas wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all those who, in some way, made it possible for Jefferson's return to Brazil, to his family, allowing a dignified farewell surrounded by love."
"Thank you to everyone who has shared, donated, or contributed in any way to this cause. Our recognition also extends to all football fans and various clubs, who have united in one colour in the face of such a difficult moment."
Diogo Jota's death
Last month, Liverpool star Diogo Jota lost his life in a tragic road accident in northwest Spain.
The Portugal star died along with his brother, Andre Silva, after the car they were driving veered off the road and crashed.
Jota had just married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, 11 days before his accident.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
