Teenage Footballer Dies After Being Thrown Into River Over GH₵ 600 Debt
- A young footballer has tragically died after allegedly being pushed into a fast-flowing river
- The teenager was reportedly thrown into the Tanaro River in Verduno, in Italy’s Piedmont region
- The Police has charged the youngster's friend with voluntary killing, and he is currently under house arrest
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An aspiring teenage footballer has tragically died after allegedly being thrown into a fast-flowing river over a GH₵600 debt.
The 13-year-old was reportedly forced into the Tanaro River in Verduno, in Italy’s Piedmont region, after travelling with four other boys from a nearby town to spend the day at a riverside beach.
Source: Twitter
How did Abdou Ngom die?
Initial reports suggested that Abdou Ngom went missing while swimming alone, without the other boys present.
But investigators now suspect that a member of Abdou’s group pushed him into the river, despite his desperate cries that he couldn’t swim.
On April 21, the four boys left their homes in nearby Bra to relax by the river and enjoy the warm weather.
However, the river, Italy’s sixth longest, was perilous, swollen and muddy after recent heavy rains.
A rescue operation was launched to locate the teenager, but after a week with no trace of him, the search was called off.
Italian teen charged over river death of Abdou Ngom
The Juvenile Prosecutor's Office in Turin has charged a 15-year-old boy from the group with voluntary killing with possible intent, placing him under house arrest.
Investigations revealed that three of the boys had coordinated their stories in case they were questioned by police.
Interrogations also indicated that the main suspect had been eager to recover a £40 (GH₵ 600) debt owed by Abdou.
One of the other boys reportedly told officers:
"Abdou said he couldn't swim, but the other guy grabbed him and threw him in the water." The suspect denies this account, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Source: Twitter
Abdou Ngom's father demands answers after son’s death
Abdou, born in Bra to Senegalese parents, leaves behind a heartbroken family, including his mother, father, and three siblings.
His father, Khadim, speaking to local media via Mirror Football, expressed deep pain and confusion over the circumstances of his son’s death.
"I don't know what happened that day, how things went. I would like to know the truth and the reason, whatever it may be. If a boy says he can't swim, why is he pushed into the water?" he said.
"He dreamed of becoming a footballer, first playing for Bra and later for the team in Roreto, Cherasco," the grieving father shared.
"But he couldn’t swim. Sadly, I wasn’t home that day, and he left without telling his mother where he was going. Otherwise, we would never have allowed him to go to the river with those friends."
Source: Twitter
Remembering Diogo Jota and his brother
In a related and sombre report, YEN.com.gh noted that it has been over a month since the football world was left reeling from the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
The pair lost their lives in a horrific road accident in Northern Spain, leaving behind devastated families, shell-shocked teammates, and millions of heartbroken fans.
Source: YEN.com.gh
