Until August 2024, Luca Manolache was a rising football star, playing for the Romanian club Metaloglobus București. At just 19 years old, he had already begun to establish himself on the field, demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication to the sport he loved. However, in the months before his sudden retirement, troubling health concerns emerged, forcing him to step away from professional football much sooner than anyone could have anticipated.
Luca began experiencing persistent and alarming symptoms. He reportedly suffered from extreme fatigue, dizziness, and chills, which made it increasingly difficult for him to meet the physical demands of professional matches. His endurance dropped significantly, and he struggled to even complete the first half of a game without feeling completely drained. Even more concerning, he started noticing blood in his stool—an ominous sign of a potentially serious medical issue.
During one particularly distressing match, Luca’s health took a drastic turn. As reported by The Mirror, he suddenly lost his vision mid-game, leaving him disoriented and unable to continue. Recognizing the severity of the situation, medical personnel rushed to his aid, yet the full extent of his condition remained unclear. In the months that followed, his health continued to deteriorate.
On February 28, while out with a relative, Luca’s condition worsened yet again. His symptoms rapidly escalated, and his body seemed to struggle under the weight of his mysterious illness. Realizing the urgency, his relative immediately called emergency services.
As his health spiraled out of control, Luca made a heartbreaking phone call to his mother, Ana. His voice was filled with desperation as he reportedly said, “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore.” In a moment of sheer panic, he asked her a chilling question: “Do you think I’m dying?”
Despite paramedics’ efforts to stabilize him, his condition deteriorated at an alarming rate. While en route to the County Hospital in Târgoviște, Romania, his mother received devastating news—Luca had passed away. What had begun as another attempt to seek medical help had ended in an unthinkable tragedy, leaving his family and loved ones in shock and sorrow.
An autopsy later revealed the horrifying cause of death. Luca had drowned in his own stomach acid. Medical experts concluded that he suffered a severe reaction, leading to excessive vomiting of blood, which ultimately caused him to aspirate and suffocate. The rare and brutal nature of his condition left many questioning how such a young and seemingly healthy athlete could succumb to such a devastating fate.
The news of Luca’s passing sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly within his former club, Metaloglobus București. The team paid tribute to their late teammate in an emotional Instagram post, stating, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. His love for football and his smile brought joy to the field.”
Reflecting on his time with the team, the club shared details of his final match. “His last appearance in the Metaloglobus shirt was on August 24, 2024, in a game against CS Afumați, where he played for 10 minutes as a substitute.” The club also noted that, following that match, Luca had complained of unusual fatigue during training. Concerned for his health, the coaching staff removed him from training and advised him to undergo thorough medical evaluations. Unfortunately, despite these precautions, his condition continued to worsen, ultimately leading to his tragic and untimely passing.