A shadow of sorrow has taken over English football as Bristol City striker Benik Afobe announced today that his 2 year old daughter Amora Afobe has passed away on the eve of Friday after suffering from infection.
The DR Congo international released a statement online after the disheartening news, which reads:
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Afobe family have today confirmed the devastating news that their first child, their beloved daughter Amora, 2, passed away late on Friday evening”
The 26 year old former England under 21 married Lois Smith in 2016 and had their daughter Amora a year later, who unfortunately suffered from a various health complications.
“Amora was taken to hospital for treatment after unexpectedly developing a severe infection. Unfortunately she then suffered a number of serious complications and despite doctors doing absolutely everything that they possibly could, Amora passed away peacefully with the love of her family by her side.
“The entire family have been left totally devastated and heartbroken, and would like to ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
The news has stirred a wave of sadness on social media, as tonnes of empathy and tributes have arrived from teammates, fans and former clubs.
A Gunners youth academy product, Afobe never made any appearance for the senior team. After 5 years of loan spells outside north London, he joined Wolves in 2015, and in the following year moved to Bournemouth. He returned to Molineux Stadium in 2018, but joined Stoke City in early 2019. Currently he is on loan at Bristol City.
