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Luke Fleurs -

On April 3, 2024, South African soccer star Luke Fleurs was shot and killed in Johannesburg. The young sports star was reportedly waiting at a gas station when the attackers shot him and stole his car. Fleurs had just turned 24 and was only a few months into his two-year contract with the South African team Kaizer Chiefs, which he described as a dream come true. The team confirmed the news of his death on social media, adding, "May his dear soul rest in peace." Fleurs also represented his home country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, playing for the under-23 team. 

Unfortunately, many athletes who have shown immense dedication to their sport have had their careers fatefully cut short. Click through this gallery to discover other sports stars who died too young.

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Shawn Barber -

Shawn Barber, a pole vault world champion, passed away at his home in Texas on January 17, 2024. The Associated Press reported that he had been dealing with health issues and died of "medical complications." Barber was just 29 years old. "More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself. It's tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age," his agent Paul Doyle told the Associated Press. Barber was the 2015 world pole vault champion and went on to be a finalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He still holds the Canadian pole vault record for his best jump of six meters (19.7 feet). 

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Kelvin Kiptum -

Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum was tragically killed in a car crash on the night of Sunday, February 11. His coach, Gervais Hakizimana, was also killed in the accident. Kiptum was just 24 years old and had an incredible career ahead of him. The young runner was the world record-holder for the fastest marathon, having completed the 2023 Chicago Marathon in under two hours and one minute. The record was ratified just a week before his sudden death. Kiptum was one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the world of long-distance running, and was considered a top contender for gold at this year's Olympics in Paris. “He was only 24,” said Kenyan President William Ruto in a statement. “Kiptum was our future.”

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Magnus White -

American cyclist Magnus White died at the devastatingly young age of 17. White was part of USA Cycling's junior men's national team, and won the 2021 USA Cyclocross Junior Men's National Championship. A young athlete with a promising future, White was knocked over by a car while cycling on the shoulder of the highway in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. The driver was a young woman in a Toyota Matrix who reportedly hit White when crossing into the shoulder. Five months later, the driver was arrested for vehicular homicide, with investigators accusing her of driving while sleep-deprived and falling asleep at the wheel. 

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Cody Ince -

A young football player named Cody Ince died "unexpectedly" at his home in Wisconsin on July 15, 2023, his former university announced on July 18. Ince had been part of the University of Iowa's Hawkeye football program and played as an offensive lineman between 2018 and 2021. The program's head coach Kirk Ferentz made a heartfelt statement about Ince's sudden death. "Cody was just beginning this next chapter of his life and was about to be married. Mary and I are heartbroken for his fiancée, his family and all his friends who knew and loved him. All of us in the football program – his coaches and teammates – are mourning his loss." Ince was just 23 years old at the time of his death and is survived by his family and his fiancée Olivia Tucker. 

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Mikala Jones -

Surfing star Mikala Jones suffered a freak accident when a part of his surfboard reportedly severed his femoral artery, leaving the Hawaii native dead at 44 years old. Jones was at the Awera Resort in North Sipora on July 9, 2023, when the fin of his board caused a huge gash near his left groin, TMZ reports. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead soon after. His daughter, Isabella, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post that day and wrote, "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but my dad got into a bad surfing accident and didn’t make it. Im happy he was doing what he loved the most." She added, "Life will never be the same without you." 

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Tori Bowie -

On May 3, 2023, the management company of Olympic champion Tori Bowie confirmed that she had passed away. The 32-year-old was reportedly found dead in her home in Orlando, Florida, after police were asked to perform a welfare check. She had not been seen or heard from in several days which caused concern amongst her loved ones. It was later revealed that Bowie was eight months pregnant and went into labor at home alone. Her cause of death was determined to be complications from childbirth. Bowie was a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion who competed for the US in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie,” wrote fellow Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Twitter. “A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.”

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Kyle Smaine -

Kyle Smaine, a pro freestyle skier who won gold at the Kreischberg 2015 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, was killed in an avalanche. He was just 31 years old. Action sports photographer Grant Gunderson shared on Instagram on January 29 that he, Smaine, and others including Adam Ü had been skiing in Japan on a marketing trip when an avalanche hit. "Adam was buried 1.5 meters deep for 25 minutes and is unscathed. That is a miracle. The skier buried next to him died from internal injuries. Kyle was thrown 50 meters by the air blast and buried and killed," Gunderson wrote. "Another group in the area consisting of two Canadian mountain guides and 4 or 5 emergency doctors / nurses etc as clients performed the rescue. The doctors did everything they could for Kyle and the other skier." Smaine leaves behind his wife, snowboarder Jenna Dramise.

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Jessie Lemonier -

On January 26, yet another young NFL star was reported dead. Jessie Lemonier was drafted out of college by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, and played for the Detroit Lions during the 2021 season. The Lions shared the news of his sudden passing in a public statement. "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier," they wrote on social media. "Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Lemonier was only 25 years old at the time of his death and was expecting a baby with his girlfriend. His cause of death was not revealed.

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Anton Walkes -

English soccer player Anton Walkes died on January 18, 2023, also at the age of 25. He was injured when two boats collided in an accident near the Miami Marine Stadium in Florida. First responders found him unresponsive and gave him CPR, but he later died in hospital. Walkes graduated from the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Academy in 2016 and played with the US team Atlanta United for three seasons before joining Charlotte FC in 2021. The US Major League Soccer organization made a statement following Walkes' death: "There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans."

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Devin Willock -

Devin Willock, offensive lineman for the University of Georgia, died in a car crash in the early hours of January 15, 2023, just hours after the team's national championship parade. He was just 20. Team staffer Chandler LeCroy, 24, was driving Willock and two other passengers when the vehicle hit two poles and several trees. Willock was pronounced dead on the scene. LeCroy was transported to the hospital, where she later died as a result of her injuries. The two other passengers were injured, one more seriously.

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Uchechukwu Nwaneri -

Former Jaguars offensive guard Uchechukwu Nwaneri was tragically found dead in the early hours of December 30, 2022, in his wife's Indiana home, TMZ reports. The NFL player was only 38. Preliminary results from the Tippecanoe County Coroner indicated he died of "enlarged heart with acute heart failure."

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Anthony "Rumble" Johnson -

The mixed martial arts world mourned the loss of Anthony "Rumble" Johnson who died at age 38 of an unspecified illness. Bellator MMA, the fighting promotion with which Johnson most recently competed, confirmed his death on November 13, 2022.

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Chris Davidson -

Former Australian surf star Chris Davidson died after being punched in the face outside of a pub in a small town north of Sydney on September 24, 2022. The 45-year-old athlete reportedly hit his head on the pavement, and though he received treatment at the scene, he passed away in a hospital soon after. The 42-year-old man who threw the punch was arrested and charged with assault causing death, BBC reports.

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Elias Theodorou -

Former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou died on September 11, 2022, following a battle with cancer. The Canadian mixed martial artist was only 34 years old, and had been battling stage 4 liver cancer in private. In public, Theodorou competed for the UFC in the Middleweight division where he was ranked 13th, and won 'The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia.' He was also a known advocate for the use of medical marijuana in combat sports, believing it to be safer and more beneficial than prescription drugs.

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Luke Knox -

On August 18, 2022, Florida International University announced the loss of one of their young students and star athletes. Luke Knox, linebacker for the Miami-based university's football team, suddenly passed away at the age of 22. While his cause of death was not made public, the local police department confirmed that no foul play was suspected. Tributes to Knox poured from his teammates and coaches. FIU head football coach Mike MacIntyre wrote, "While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident. Luke's family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time. On behalf of the entire FIU football family, I extend sincere condolences to Luke's family and all who love him."

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Leandro Lo -

Leandro Lo was an 8-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion before his life was brutally cut short at 33. Lo was shot in the head at a concert in São Paulo, Brazil, in the early hours of August 7. According to Bleacher Report, Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting cited the news outlet G1 and a police report mentioned by Combate, noting police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo is a suspect. Witnesses  reportedly said the police officer had grabbed a bottle from Lo's table, and Lo then responded by taking the officer down and holding him. After the two were separated is when witnesses say Velozo shot Lo in the head, however. The fighter was taken to the hospital but declared brain dead within hours.

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Bobby East -

Decorated race car driver Bobby East was stabbed and killed on July 13, at the age of 37. Police were called to a gas station in Westminster, California, where East was found with a serious chest wound. He was rushed to hospital but did not survive. A local 27-year-old homeless man was named as the murder suspect, but was shot and killed by police when he reportedly became confrontational during the arrest. The circumstances surrounding East's stabbing are yet to be determined. 

East was the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East, and had a successful career as a USAC and NASCAR driver, earning several national titles. 

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Caleb Swanigan -

Former NBA star Caleb Swanigan died at the age of just 25 on June 20, 2022, Purdue University confirmed. According to the Allen County Coroner's Office in Indiana, the former Portland Trail Blazers player passed away from natural causes. "Devastated," his college team, the Purdue Boilermakers, tweeted on June 21. "Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan's family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you Biggie." Swanigan was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2017 and after two seasons he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2019, before moving back to the Portland team in 2020. But in March 2020 he played his last professional game, and left the NBA for "personal reasons," which were reportedly his ongoing health issues.

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Marion Barber III -

Marion Barber III, who played with the Dallas Cowboys for six years, passed away at the age of 38. Reports state that Barber was found dead in his apartment after police were called to respond to a "welfare concern" at his address on June 1, 2022. The former football star retired from the NFL 10 years ago, but not before earning the nickname 'Marion the Barbarian.' The Cowboys released a statement of condolence the day of his death: "Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion's family and friends during this difficult time." His cause of death was later revealed to be heat stroke. 

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Jeff Gladney -

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney has passed away at the premature age of 25. He was reportedly involved in a two-car collision in Dallas in the early hours of May 30, 2022. Both Gladney and a female passenger were killed in the accident. The young athlete had just begun his third season with the NFL and had signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. They released a statement saying "We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss." 

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Eya Guezguez -

Eya Guezguez, a Tunisian sailor and one of the youngest athletes who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has tragically died at the age of 17. Even more heart-wrenching, Eya was sailing with her twin sister, Sarra, who competed alongside Eya at the Olympics when they were just 16. Their boat reportedly capsized due to strong winds, and though their coach was alongside them in a speedboat at the time, the coach was only able to help Sarra get out of the tangled rigging before reaching Eya, upon whom they then tried CPR, the BBC reports. Eya was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

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Katie Meyer -

On March 2, 2022, Stanford University reported that the captain and goalkeeper of their women's soccer team, Katie Meyer, had passed away at the age of 22. Meyer, who was an international relations major at the university, reportedly died in a campus residence. The following day, the news was shared that Meyer died of self-inflicted wounds. She is remembered by friends and teammates as a "larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits," who was "extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world." Her passing is mourned by Stanford University and the US soccer community at large. 

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Deon Lendore -

Three-time Olympian Deon Lendore died in the US at the age of 29, Reuters reports. The Trinidadian sprinter, who specialized in the 400m and competed at the Olympic Games in London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo, was involved in a car crash in Texas on January 10. He was reportedly working as a volunteer coach at Texas A&M University. "Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many," the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee said in a statement.

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Demaryius Thomas -

NFL player Demaryius Thomas was found dead at his home in Roswell, Georgia. The 33-year-old Denver Broncos wide receiver reportedly passed away as a result of a medical issue, according to CNN. Thomas was considered one of the best wide receivers in Bronco's history and his death is being mourned by his team and the football community at large. "We are devastated and completely heartbroken," the Broncos said in a statement. "Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him."

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Jimmy Hayes -

Late NHLer Jimmy Hayes, who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils, was pronounced dead by first responders at his home on August 23. The night prior, Hayes and his wife of three years Kristen celebrated their son Beau's second birthday with their new son Mac, who was born on May 5. After weeks of wondering, a toxicology report revealed that he died of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, according to his widow and father. Hayes had previously confessed to becoming addicted to pain medication after suffering an injury. 

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Olivia Podmore -

Cyclist Olivia Podmore, who had become a top competitor at a young age and represented New Zealand in the 2016 Rio Olympics, passed away suddenly on August 9, 2021, at the age of 24. "The New Zealand Olympic Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of Olympian #1333, Olivia Podmore, " the organization said in a statement shared by E! News. "We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and others in the NZ community who are grieving this loss. We are providing wellbeing support for members of her team and the wider team as we return home from Tokyo."   

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Geno Hayes -

Ex NFL linebacker Geno Hayes, who had a seven-season run in the league, died on April 26, while in hospice at his parents' home in Georgia. He was just 33. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars player had been diagnosed with chronic liver disease in 2019, but his conditioned worsened in 2021 and he spent his final days in hospice care being visited by family members and close friends, TMZ reports. 

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Katherine Diaz -

El Salvador's top surfer, 22-year-old Olympic hopeful Katherine Diaz was in the water on March 19, 2021, training for an upcoming qualifying competition, when she was struck by lightning, CNN reports. She died instantly. 

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Timur Faizutdinov -

Russian junior hockey player Timur Faizutdinov, 19, died after being hit in the head by a puck during a game. The hit reportedly happened on March 12 when Faizutdinov, a defenseman for Dynamo St. Petersburg team, was in a playoff game against Loko Yaroslavl. He collapsed and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away on March 16. 

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Vincent Jackson -

Former NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead on February 15, 2021, at a hotel in Florida. The athlete, who was once one of the best wide receivers in the league, was just 38 years old. His cause of death was uncertain, but Jackson had reportedly checked into the hotel on February 11, a day after his family had reported him missing. Police closed the case after they checked on his well-being. He leaves behind his wife and their three children. 

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Kobe Bryant -

NBA legend and sports icon Kobe Bryant made it to retirement, but his life was cut short at 41 years old, following a helicopter crash in California on January 26, 2020. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of eight others, including Gianna Bryant, Kobe's 13-year-old daughter, who was a promising basketball player herself. 

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Colby Cave -

NHL star Colby Cave, who played for the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers, passed away on April 11, 2020 at just 25 years old. After having been put in a medically induced coma four days earlier, following a surgery to remove a colloid cyst causing pressure on his brain, Cave's cause of death was a brain bleed. His family, and wife of less than one year, were unable to be with him in his final moments because of COVID-19 hospital regulations. 

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Patrick Day -

Boxer Patrick Day passed away on October 16, 2019, aged 27, days after a fight with fellow American Charles Conwell in Chicago. He died as a result of his head injuries, this after falling into a coma.

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Maxim Dadashev -

On July 24, 2019, days after his fight with Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias, Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev passed away in a US hospital from sustained injuries. He was just 28 years old.

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Gabriele Grunewald -

Gabriele Grunewald was an elite American distance runner, and the 12th fastest American woman to run the 1500 m in history. While she boasted an impressive resumé, she was battling cancer through it all, enduring radiation therapy and surgery several times since she was diagnosed in 2009, but continuing to run. She died June 11, 2019, at just 32 years old.

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Kelly Catlin - Kelly Catlin was a sensational US cyclist, who scored a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. The athlete took her own life in her Stanford dorm room on March 7.

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Hank Gathers -

This college basketball star collapsed and died during a game in 1990. The 23-year-old played against legends like Shaquille O'Neal, but never made it to the NBA.

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Ayrton Senna -

The thrilling Brazilian racer was a world champion of Formula One, but died at the age of 34 in an explosive crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

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Miklós Fehér - Fehér was a heroic Hungarian striker, who played for Portuguese clubs Porto and Benfica. During a game with Benfica, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and died in the hospital at age 24.

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Emiliano Sala -

The world of football was shocked with the passing of Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash in January. He was 28 years old.

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Aaron Hernandez - Aaron Hernandez had a revered NFL career, which ended after he was convicted of murder. He was acquitted of a connected double homicide, but took his own life in his cell at the age of 27.

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Erica Blasberg -

Blasberg was a pro golfer who reportedly took her own life when she was 25. Some suggested foul play from a Dr. Thomas Hess, who says he had a "flirty" relationship with Blasberg. But he was ultimately cleared in a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit stemming from Blasberg's passing.

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Oscar Taveras - The 22-year-old Dominican-Canadian was primed to be a star with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, "El Fenómeno" and his girlfriend were both killed in a car crash.

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Sarah Burke - Sarah Burke was a breathtaking Canadian skier. However, she fell on her head during training, and died of injuries that she sustained. She was 29 years old.

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Drazen Petrovic - The Croatian basketballer played for Portland, Real Madrid, and the New Jersey Nets. He died in a car accident in Germany, aged 28.

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Camille Muffat - The French swimmer won bronze, silver, and gold at the Olympics. She joined the TV show 'Dropped,' but died aged 25 along with nine other people in a helicopter crash.

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Ed Sanders -

Sanders was a US Olympic champion of boxing. His last fight was against Willie James, who beat the boxer beyond repair. He was stretchered out of the ring, and pronounced dead at a hospital aged 24.

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Darrent Williams - This NFL star started 14 games for the Denver Broncos in 2006. However, Williams was gunned down in a drive-by shooting during a 2007 New Year's Eve celebration. He was 24.

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Steve Prefontaine - This Oregon-born Olympic runner died in a car accident when he was 24.

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Andrés Escobar - During the 1994 World Cup, the Colombian central defender accidentally scored an own goal in a 2-1 loss against the US. The country turned on the player, who was murdered at age 27. Many have made connections between his mistake and his murder.

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José Fernández - Fernández was an exciting star with the Miami Marlins, but died in a boating accident when was 24, five days after announcing that his girlfriend was pregnant with their child.

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Francisco Lázaro - Lázaro's day job was doing carpentry in Lisbon, and he also represented Portugal as an Olympic marathon runner. He died from dehydration aged 21, during an Olympic marathon before which he reportedly said "either I win or I die."

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Nick Adenhart - Nick Adenhart had a great start with the Los Angeles Angels. However, he was killed at age 22 in a car crash not far from the Angels stadium.

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Salvador Sanchez - Despite his short career, Salvador Sanchez is still seen as one of boxing's greatest featherweight fighters. He died at age 23 in a car accident.

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Antonio Puerta -

Puerta was a star player for Seville, winning five titles with his only club. He collapsed during a La Liga match in 2007, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

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Bernardo Ribeiro - The Brazilian attacking midfielder died at 26, after suffering a cardiac arrest following a game with an amateur club.

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Pat Tillman - Tillman got his start with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. However, he joined the military after 9/11, and was killed in a friendly-fire accident aged 27.

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Christian Benitez - Otherwise known as "Chucho," this Ecuadorian striker played around the world, before dying of cardiac arrest complications at the age of 27.

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Edvin Hodžić - This Austrian midfielder played for many clubs in his country, and was contracted to play for German club SV Schalding-Heining. However, he passed away at the age of 23.

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Sean Taylor - Sean Taylor was a star on the rise with the Washington Redskins. However, he was fatefully shot in the leg during a robbery attempt at his home. He died aged 24 at the hospital.

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Renato Curi - During the '60s and '70s, Curi played midfield for Italian clubs like Como, Perugia, and Giulianova. However, he died suddenly, aged 24, during a game against Juventus in 1977.

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Victims of the Munich air disaster - One of the most shocking accidents in the history of soccer, a plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed in Munich in 1958. In total, 23 people died, including eight United players in their prime.

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Bill Barilko - Otherwise known as "Bashin' Belly," the Toronto-based hockey player was 24 when he vanished in August 1951. He apparently died in a plane crash, and the wreckage was found 11 years later.

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Ernie Davis -

He was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, but Davis' career was cut short after he was diagnosed with leukemia. He died of the disease at 23.

See also: Sports stars you didn't know had medical conditions.

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