The sports world is in mourning following the tragic news that French handball star Jemima Kabeya has died suddenly.
Kabeya was just 21 years old when she died unexpectedly.
Her team announced on Tuesday morning that Kabeya died on Monday.
The goalkeeper for the French handball club Plan-de-Cuques was rushed to hospital on Sunday evening for reasons that have not been disclosed.
The team did not disclose the cause of death.
All other details regarding Kabeya’s sudden passing have been withheld from he public.
Kabeya had represented France’s national team in the junior categories.
“She was a goalkeeper of great talent and an exemplary teammate, but Jemima was above all a radiant, sunny young woman of immense kindness,” the club said.
“Her smile and her commitment will leave an indelible memory in our hearts and in the history of Handball Plan-de-Cuques.”
According to the International Handball Federation (IHF), Kabeya played at Plan-de-Cuques since 2022.
The team extended her contract for two years in 2024.
She was one of the top goalkeepers in the French league this season, with a 35.6% saving efficiency and 78 saves.
In a statement, the IHF said:
“The IHF president, Dr Hassan Moustafa, would like to extend condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and all those who were touched by Jemima’s presence.
“The loss of such a bright and vibrant young life is a tragedy beyond words.”
Last week, the team also praised the performance of the young Frenchwoman on its social media accounts.
Despite the defeat conceded against Chambray Touraine (22-20), she had made 20 saves.
Kabeya was a rising star who had notably passed through youth selections of the French handball team.
In a statement, the president of the Provençal club, Eric Nicolao, said:
“We are all devastated. It’s a terrible shock wave.
“She was an extremely kind girl, sunny, always smiling, and an outstanding professional.
“She had all the qualities as a young woman and a high-level player.”
Plan-de-Cuques has announced the postponement of the championship match scheduled for this Wednesday.
“The match against Saint-Amand initially scheduled for this Wednesday, February 12 at Ambrosis will be postponed,” states the message posted on Facebook.
Another game in Besançon, scheduled for February 19, was also postponed.
According to local reports, a crisis unit has been set up within the club for those affected by Kabeya’s shocking sudden death.
A minute of silence or applause in memory of the young goalkeeper will be observed during all handball matches played this Wednesday.
This tragedy recalls another young death at the Plan-de-Cuques club.
In February 2017, 20-year-old Flora Girolami, then a reserve player in National 3, died from meningitis.
