Young footballer Kenzo Kies dies after drowning near Lyon

Kenzo Kies, a 21-year-old professional footballer, has died after drowning in the Rhône River near Lyon. The young player had been in a state of brain death since Monday afternoon.

Kies was a member of the Saint-Étienne reserve team, having previously been part of the club's sports center for seven years. He also played for Guingamp and had started his career at Lyon.

"A talented player and a discreet young man appreciated by all, Kenzo Kies lost his life in dramatic circumstances," Saint-Étienne announced on X, formerly Twitter. The club extended its condolences to his family, teammates, and educators.

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A talented player and a discreet young man appreciated by all, Kenzo Kies lost his life in dramatic circumstances

Guingamp also expressed sorrow, stating, "Guingamp has learned of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player of the Club. Guingampais since last summer, he played this season in the reserve team. En Avant Guingamp extends its most sincere condolences to Kenzo Kies's family and all his loved ones."

The drowning occurred in a prohibited swimming zone within the Parc de la Feyssine, between Villeurbanne and Caluire-et-Cuire. Firefighters were called around 6 p.m. on Monday when temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit). Four young men were bathing in the area, where the river forms waves. Three managed to exit the water before firefighters arrived, but Kies was found to be drowning and was rescued in critical condition. The Lyon prosecutor's office opened an investigation into the causes of the drowning.

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Guingamp has learned of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player of the Club. Guingampais since last summer, he played this season in the reserve team. En Avant Guingamp extends its most sincere condolences to Kenzo Kies's family and all his loved ones.