Local

Brother of soccer journalist Grant Wahl reacts to news of his passing

SEATTLE — The sports world continues to mourn the loss of U.S. soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who suddenly died during the Argentina vs. Netherlands quarterfinal match of the World Cup on Friday.

Initial reports suggested Wahl collapsed in the press box, and witnesses said he received medical treatment for around 20-30 minutes, before he was taken to a Qatari hospital.

His brother, Eric, lives in Seattle, Washington.

In a video posted on Instagram, he shared his heartbreak about the situation and questioned the truth of his brother’s death.

“I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. I just beg for any help,” Eric said.

His brother had worn a rainbow T-shirt to a World Cup match, but security personnel wouldn’t let him into the stadium.

“I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup,” Eric said in the video.

“My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats,” Eric said.

The journalism community is also still mourning Wahl’s passing. Telemundo sports reporter Diego Arrioja, who is based in Seattle, said Wahl’s work went beyond the soccer pitch.

“The last time I saw him was at the MLS Cup and he had a chat with me in the press box. And he was always not only a great professional, but just a great person in general,” Arrioja said.

He believes Wahl’s legacy will live on.

“But at the end of the day, I think that the most important thing that he leaves the mark of how you should do sports journalism and also how to be a great human being,” Arrioja said.

While Arrioja said Wahl’s death was sudden and a shock, he believes Wahl’s cause of death needs to be looked into.

“From our side and the U.S. Soccer Federation, there needs to be an investigation,” Arrioja said.

Wahl was honored during the England vs. France quarterfinal match on Saturday. A small memorial was placed on his seat inside the press box.