Journalist Grant Wahl’s fatal collapse during a Friday’s World Cup may have been a result of an illness he was suffering from.
Before his death, he openly discussed having bronchitis.
He posted his “Fútbol with Grant Wahl” podcast on Thursday and said he’d come down with a case of bronchitis so bad he said went to “the medical clinic at the media center twice now,” including that day.
Wahl, 49, suggested his conditions were improving but were far from 100%.
Wahl collapsed Friday while he was covering the Argentina-Netherlands soccer match. CPR was performed at the stadium and he was Ubered to a hospital, but died.
CBS News is reporting he suffered a heart attack.
However, his brother, Eric, who also confirmed Grant’s death with a video believes there was foul play involved. Apparently, Grant received death threats in Qatar after he was detained by stadium security last month when he wore a rainbow-themed T-shirt in support of LGBTQ+ rights, TMZ reported.
The ordeal became a big story and led to Qatar threatening to force any LGBTQ+ protests during the tournament to stop.
Grant’s death has shaken the sports industry. He’s covered multiple stories across sports including his famous Sports Illustrated story of LeBron James while the NBA player was in high school.
LeBron paid tribute to Grant, saying “You had a huge impact on me and my family and I’m so appreciative of you. A great person and journalist. Rest In Paradise Grant Wahl.”
