Young Irish pilot in US Air Force collapses and dies playing football

A YOUNG Irishman working for the US Air Force died suddenly while playing sports last weekend.

Brian Kane, aged 29, a native of Donegal town, collapsed during a game of American football at the Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, New Mexico last Saturday.

It is the latest incident of a young athlete dying suddenly while playing sport following several similar tragedies this year, including the death of Tyrone GAA captain Cormac McAnallen and Ireland under-21 rugby international John McCall.

Brian - who held the rank of Airman 1st Class - worked in the public affairs section at Cannon Air Force Base. The New Mexico camp is home to four US F-16 fighter squadrons which claim to be “the world’s most lethal warfighting team.”

The dead man was based in Cannon since August 2003 as his first posting since enlisting in the US Air Force earlier in 2003 after spending periods at civilian jobs in Florida and California.

Brian collapsed while playing with colleagues in a practice game of American football at the base on Saturday afternoon. He was rushed to a nearby medical centre where he was pronounced dead a short time later without having regained consciousness.

A autopsy on the victim’s body revealed that he had died of natural causes. However, a US Air Force spokesperson said further tests would be required to determine the exact cause of death.

It is understood the dead man’s mother, Jeannie, still lives in Co Donegal. He is also survived by his father, brother and an 18-month-old daughter, Jaden, who lives with her mother in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mr Kane’s body will be flown back to Dublin from Albuquerque tomorrow.

The dead man’s superior, 1st Lt Jennifer Geeslin, described him as “a true friend and great co-worker who will be truly missed.”

“He was always happy and had a smile on his face. Even if you were having a bad day, he could turn it into one of gold and sunshine,” said Lt Geeslin.