Gabriel Muresan, a Romanian and former Champions League star, died after drowning in a lake, local media reported Thursday.
He was 44.
Firefighters reportedly pulled him from a lake midweek and he was rushed to a local hospital, but medics couldn’t revive him.
Early reports suggested that a possible thermal shock while entering the water may have caused the tragedy.
Muresan had been the mayor of Transylvanian town Apold since 2020, and his town hall made an announcement following his death.
“Today we are all experiencing great pain. We express our deep sadness at the news of the passing away of Gabi Muresan, mayor and devoted servant of our community,” his town hall announced.
“In these moments of difficult trial, we send sincere condolences to the grieving family and to all those who knew and cherished him.”
“Our community will keep his memory alive, and will be grateful for everything he did for the people and for the Apold commune.”
The Romanian soccer federation also paid tribute to Muresan.
“The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan,” the statement said. “May God rest him!”
The midfielder had an illustrious career and was best remembered for his stint with CFR Cluj, where he made over 130 appearances and won three Liga I titles, along with three Romanian Cups.
He also captained Cluj during historic UEFA Champions League campaigns and competed in group-stage matches against powerhouses like Manchester United, Chelsea and AS Roma.
