Paramedics battled to save teen’s life
The boy was playing in a match for north Dublin side Belvedere Football Club against St Kevin’s Boys when he collapsed on the pitch about 25 minutes into the game.
A number of people rushed to the player and the defibrillator at the ground was used in an effort to save his life. Paramedics who attended the scene also worked furiously to save the boy’s life on the way to Beaumont Hospital.
However, he was declared dead at the hospital shortly after his arrival.
Known as Shay to his friends, the 16-year-old was an extremely popular member of the team and a promising young football talent. He is understood to have grown up in the Fingal area, while his parents are from Nigeria.
The cause of death has not been confirmed as the results of the postmortem have not yet been released. However, due to the nature of his sudden death, it has been speculated that the young boy may have been a victim of sudden cardiac death — a form of sudden adult death syndrome.
About 40 to 50 people under the age of 35 die each year from sudden cardiac death in Ireland.
In about 75% of cases, an autopsy will demonstrate the cause of death. The most common abnormal findings are a narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — an inherited thickening of the heart muscle which can lead to fatal heart rhythm disturbances.
In the other 25% of cases, the autopsy is normal and those cases are called sudden arrhythmic death syndrome or sudden unexplained death. A Facebook page dedicated to Shetemi had drawn over 3,400 likes yesterday with many friends of the teenager flocking to the site to express their shock and condolences.
Maria Salahovs said: “I am so sorry to find out it is Shetemi. Rest in peace sweet soul. Totally devastating news for us. Condolences to his siblings and parents. Can’t believe.”
Sharon Mitchell Mitchell posted: “Rest in peace Shetemi so unfair you left this life way too soon.”
St Kevin’s Boy’s Club said it wished to join with Belvedere Football Club in mourning the death of Shetemi.
“All who were present- players, staff and spectators are in deep shock at this tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, team-mates and the Belvedere Club at this awful time and ask that the privacy of those involved be respected. Rest in peace.”
