Former Belgian footballer Allan Luvovadio has drowned while on holiday in Thailand.
Local media first reported his death, which the Belgian Foreign Affairs office has since corroborated without confirming his identity. The 28-year-old was reportedly swimming in the sea near Freedom Beach on Saturday when he was caught in the waves with two other tourists.
The two other individuals, one from Britain and the other from Yemen, were rescued. However, Luvovadio could not be found and his lifeless body was discovered on the beach at around 04:30 on Monday morning. He has been transferred to a hospital where an autopsy will take place.
This is the fifth drowning in Phuket since 9 June when the monsoon season swept across the region, causing treacherous sea currents, according to The Phuket News. Lifeguards are urging swimmers to not enter the water where red flags are displayed.
Luvovadio lived in Charleroi, where he played for the U21 and U17 teams before moving on to KRC Gent. However, playing professionally was cut short by a knee injury. After a career break, the footballer moved from FC Ganshoren, to Solières, to Gosselies and eventually to JS Tamines, the last club he played for before his death.
