Second Journalist Suddenly Dies At World Cup

A Qatari photographer died on Saturday while covering the World Cup, making him the second journalist to pass away during the global soccer event following the death of American reporter Grant Wahl.

Khalid al-Misslam, who worked for Qatari sports outlet Al Kass TV, “died suddenly while covering” the tournament, according to Doha’s Gulf Times.

“We believe in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family,” the outlet tweeted.

Al Kass TV photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam passed away recently.
Al- Misslam, a Qatari, died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We believe in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/M1ZyoBJWkW

— Gulf-Times (@GulfTimes_QATAR) December 10, 2022

The cause of al-Misslam’s death was not revealed, though it was reported as taking place on the same day that a security guard was injured in a fall inside of Lusail Iconic Stadium after the quarterfinal game between Argentina and the Netherlands.

The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. local time on Saturday after Argentina defeated its opponent on penalties. One fan told the Guardian that the security worker dropped from a top concourse of the stadium.

The security officer, reportedly a migrant worker at the event, was taken to Hamad Hospital and is stable though in critical condition.

The report of al-Misslam’s passing followed the shocking death of Wahl. The Daily Wire previously reported that the American soccer journalist collapsed and died Friday in Qatar while covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

CBS News reported that Wahl “may have suffered a heart attack” while in the press box of Lusail Stadium.

Wahl’s death came just days after he wrote that he went to a medical facility on Monday to receive treatment after feeling ill.

“I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis,” he wrote. “They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later.”

After not improving, Wahl later returned on Thursday for further treatment.

His wife, Celine Gounder, thanked those who reached out to her after the report of Wahl’s death, adding that she was “in complete shock.”

I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl‘s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight.

I’m in complete shock. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE

— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA 🇺🇦 (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022

Wahl’s brother, Eric Wahl, made headlines following the loss for suspecting foul play.

“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother,” he said. “I’m gay, I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup.”

“My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died,” he continued. “I believe he was killed and I just beg for any help.”

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