French team doctor ‘commits suicide’ after virus diagnosis
The official Ligue 1 ball is displayed ahead of the French L1 football match between Metz (FCM) and Amiens (ASC) at Saint Symphorien stadium in Longeville-lès-Metz, eastern France, on September 21, 2019. (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN / AFP)
French Ligue 1 club Reims were on Sunday in mourning for long-serving club doctor Bernard Gonzalez who committed suicide after being diagnosed with coronavirus, sources confirmed.
“Devastated, Reims cries for Bernard Gonzalez,” said a statement released by the Ligue 1 club.
Article continues after this advertisement“Not just the club but also hundreds of men and women in Reims.”
Contacted by AFP, Reims mayor Arnaud Robinet said he had been made aware of the suicide of the 60-year-old, who had worked at the club for over 20 years, by the local prefecture.
“I was told Doctor Gonzalez had left a note in which he mentioned that he had tested positive for COVID-19.”
Article continues after this advertisementA medical source also confirmed to AFP the existence of this letter but added that the doctor had appeared “to be in good shape two days ago”.
“I am shocked by his death because he was someone I had known for many years,” said Robinet.
“No only was he the club doctor, but he was also the GP of many people in Reims. He was known for his human and professional qualities.
“He will be missed by the football family and all those in Reims who met him.”
Reims club president Jean-Pierre Caillot said he was “stunned” by the news.
“This pandemic has struck Reims in the heart. A great personality and great professional of the sport has left us,” said Caillot.
More than 8,000 people have died from the coronavirus in France.
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
