Christian Atsu’s twin sister, elder brother were present when body was recovered – Ministry

 

Christian Atsu’s twin sister and elder brother were present when his body was recovered Saturday morning, according to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

The Ghana Embassy in Turkey is currently arranging for the body to be transported to Ghana for burial, with the assistance of the Turkish government.

The ministry said in a statement Saturday morning that it had received “unfortunate news of the recovery of Christian Atsu’s body from the rubble of his apartment” following the earthquake that struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023.

“This comes after almost 12 days of tortuous search by a rescue team,” the ministry said.

According to the Ghana Embassy in Turkey, which relayed the sad news, the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday, February 18th, 2023.

”The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”

“Government extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu our deepest condolences. The Embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Türkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial. The public will be updated on further developments.,” it added.

Earlier report

Christian Atsu, a former Chelsea and Newcastle United forward, was discovered dead on Saturday after going missing for days following the earthquakes in Turkey, according to Uzunmehmet.

Atsu, who played for Hatayspor before his tragic death, was a star of the Chelsea academy before moving to Turkey.

The 31-year-old was living in a flat in Hatay, which was severely damaged during the earthquake.

Christian Atsu’s Manager, Nana Sechere who had travelled to Turkey and was providing follows during the week confirming it tweeted:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning

My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support”

”I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”

Hatayspor, Atsu’s club, initially reported that he was rescued “with injuries,” but that position was changed a day later.

Nana Sechere, who is currently in Hatay, stated that they found Atsu’s “exact room location” as well as pairs of his shoes.

The agent also stated that thermal imaging cameras had revealed “up to five lives” beneath the rubble, but that those signs could not be confirmed.

He went on to say that “things are moving incredibly slowly” and that they “urgently need more resources, including a translator,” and that “any rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost” as a result.

And said it was “unfortunate” that Atsu’s Turkish club was “not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian”.

“Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge, would be extremely helpful,” he added

Claire Rupio, Atsu’s partner, requested last week that equipment be sent to the collapsed building where he was living.

“It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian,” Sechere tweeted on Tuesday.

“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.”

Atsu was staying in a building with other Hatayspor players and officials.

Taner Savut, the club’s sporting director, is also absent.

Some survivors are still being rescued following the quakes and aftershocks that killed over 40,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

When the body was discovered, Atsu’s twin sister and elder were present.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in a statement Saturday morning said it has received the “unfortunate news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble of his apartment, following the earthquake which struck Türkiye on 6 February, 2023. This comes after a rescue team’s tortuous 12-day search.”

”The Ghana Embassy in Türkiye which conveyed the sad news, indicates that the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday, 18” February, 2023. The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”

The government extends its heartfelt condolences to Christian Atsu’s widow and family. The Embassy is currently arranging for the body to be transported to Ghana for burial with the assistance of the Turkish government. The public will be kept up to date on any new developments.