Hamarkameratene (HamKam) of Norway’s Eliteserien league have announced the tragic death of 19-year-old Ivorian midfielder Archange Defringan Mondou (Achilles).
Mondou, a native of the West African nation, had been with HamKam since last spring but did not appear in any first team matches.
He was found dead in his apartment at CC Hamar after authorities broke into the apartment having had no contact with him, reports indicate.
“It is with great sadness that we have received the news that Archange Defringan Mondou ‘Akillas’ has died,” the club said in a statement.
“Our warmest thoughts go out to his family and relatives.
“This is a very difficult day for all concerned, says general manager of HamKam Football, Bent Svele.
According to the club, the cause of death is unknown at this time. Additional details surrounding the circumstances of his passing are still emerging.
“No further comments beyond this press release will be made at this time,” the statement said adding that “the cause of death is currently unknown.”
Mondou was a graduate of Tito Football Club de Gbolouville in Ivory Coast before joining the Nowergian side in April 2023 in a contract that was to last at the end of this season.
According to reporting by Hamar Arbeiderblad, Mondou impressed immediately upon arriving at HamKam and split time between the first and second teams.
In September last year, the club announced he would be taking a break from football following a medical incident at training that led to hospitalization. He was unable to return to normal football activities afterwards due to ongoing medical challenges.
Mondou is said to have lived in an apartment at CC Hamar.
After losing contact, the club gained emergency access to his apartment, where he was found deceased.