SOURCE: GRAPHICONLINE
Christian Atsu’s twin sister and elder brother were present at the site when his body was recovered Saturday morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana has said.
The Ghana Embassy in Türkiye is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Türkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial.
In a statement Saturday morning, the ministry said it has received the “unfortunate news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble of his apartment,” following the earthquake which struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023.
“This comes after almost 12 days of tortuous search by a rescue team,” the ministry said.
It said the Ghana Embassy in Türkiye which conveyed the sad news, indicates that the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday, February 18, 2023.
”The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”
“Government extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu our deepest condolences. The Embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Türkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial. The public will be updated on further developments.,” it added.
Earlier report
Christian Atsu’s lifeless body found under rubble – Turkish agent
Christian Atsu’s Turkish agent Murat Uzunmehmet confirmed earlier this morning that his lifeless body was found under the rubble following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
The Black Star’s and Former Chelsea and Newcastle United forward Christian Atsu was found dead on Saturday after he went missing for days after the earthquakes in Turkey, Uzunmehmet tweeted.
Atsu who played for Hatayspor before his tragic death was one of the star players from the Chelsea academy before heading to Turkey.
The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in the Hatay city which suffered huge damages during the quake.
Christian Atsu’s Manager, Nana Sechere who had travelled to Turkey and was providing follows during the week confirming it tweeted:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning
My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support”
”I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
Earlier developments in case
Atsu’s club Hatayspor initially reported he was rescued “with injuries” but a day later that position changed.
Nana Sechere, who is in Hatay, said they located Atsu’s “exact room location” and found pairs of his shoes.
The agent also said that thermal imaging cameras had shown signs of “up to five lives” beneath the rubble, but that it had not been possible to confirm those signs.
He added that “things are moving incredibly slow” and they “urgently need more resources, including a translator”, adding that as a result “any rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost.”
And said it was “unfortunate” that Atsu’s Turkish club was “not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian”.
“Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge, would be extremely helpful,” he added.
Last week Atsu’s partner Claire Rupio called for equipment to be sent to the collapsed building where he was living.
“It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian,” Sechere tweeted on Tuesday.
“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.”
Atsu was staying in a building with a number of Hatayspor team-mates and officials.
The club’s sporting director Taner Savut is also missing.
Some survivors are still being rescued after the quakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria that are known to have killed more than 40,000 people.
