Sadness prevailed throughout the Al-Zohour Club and the Egyptian Sports Center after the tragic passing of junior swimmer Youssef Mohamed Abdel Malik, who died while participating in the Republic Under-12 Swimming Championship. A great shock struck his family, his fans, and everyone who watched his talent blossom in his early years, while investigations continue to uncover the circumstances of what happened inside the aquarium, amid questions that are still searching for clear answers. In a solemn scene, absentee prayers were held today at the Al-Zohour Club headquarters in Nasr City, following Friday prayers, in the presence of the Board of Directors and a large gathering of members and employees, who bid farewell to a young hero who left the world before achieving his dreams.
A sad farewell at the Flowers Club… Prayers for the absent and messages of condolence
Members of the Flower Club and its employees gathered to pray in absentia for the soul of Youssef Muhammad, in a moment of farewell that seemed beyond everyone’s ability to bear. Sincere prayers were echoing throughout the place, wishing the deceased mercy and his family patience and solace. A scene that combined shock and heartbreak for a player described as creative and talented, who was raised within the club’s walls before he left in a moment that no one expected.
Burial of dawn.. and a family trying to hold on amid the procedures
The player’s uncle, Abu Karim, revealed in private statements that the family buried Youssef in the early hours of dawn, saying: “Praise be to God, he was buried at dawn… and we are currently mourning at the family home.”
Regarding the condition of the child’s parents, he explained that they all did not get any sleep for three consecutive days due to the successive procedures that the body underwent from one hospital to another and from one investigation body to another, adding: “By God, we have all been awake for a while… We have not been sleeping for two or three days because of what we were in… The investigations are busy, and may God make it easy.”
The family had previously confirmed that they were unable to begin the funeral ceremony immediately because they are still in Cairo awaiting the completion of procedures inside Dar Al Fouad Hospital in Nasr City. The player’s uncle indicated that they came from Port Said specifically to attend the tournament, expecting to complete the burial procedures within half an hour before they set off to bury the body and hold a funeral that will last three full days.
Absence of answers and investigations awaiting the truth
When asked a question about whether any official was detained inside the tournament, Abu Karim completely denied any arrest so far, stressing that what happened “is like the death of a drowning person” inside a swimming pool that is supposed to have the highest levels of safety.
He said: “No one was arrested… What happened was as if someone drowned in front of people… but the investigations are what will clarify who is responsible,” stressing that the family is waiting for what the official reports will reveal to find out whether there was negligence or negligence.
Ten minutes underwater… tragic moments inside the aquarium
The player’s uncle recounted shocking details conveyed to him by eyewitnesses who confirmed that Youssef was under the water for approximately ten minutes before he was recovered, indicating that the arbitration committee, lifeguards, and all officials present next to the pool will bear responsibility for answering the reason for the delay in intervention.
He explained that Youssef’s parents were fully present in the stands, accompanied by his twin sister, who is now the only daughter, in a painful loss that ravages the family’s heart.
Official statements…and a declaration of mourning
According to the official statement of the Egyptian Swimming Federation, Youssef was participating in the 50-meter backstroke race, and as soon as he jumped into the water, he fainted, which led to him falling to the bottom of the pelvis. Rescuers intervened and the child was recovered, then he was transferred to the medical staff and from there directly to Dar Al Fouad Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him to no avail.
The Federation declared a state of mourning for three days, stressing its deep sadness and condolences to the player’s family.
Medical sources also explained that the child may have hit the bottom of the pelvis forcefully, causing him to lose consciousness and remain under the water for at least three to five minutes before he was rescued, which led to his death despite resuscitation attempts.
Youssef Muhammad passed away before he achieved his sporting dreams, leaving behind a grieving family and a sports street that is still experiencing the shock of his sudden departure. Although investigations have begun, the full truth is still missing, and questions remain about safety procedures within tournaments designated for children. The hope remains that the coming days will reveal the details of the accident, and that this tragedy will ensure that it is not repeated with other young talents.
