Italian volleyball player of Nigerian origin dies in hotel in Istanbul

An 18-year-old Italian, Julia Ituma, a volleyball star has died after falling from the window of her hotel in Istanbul, Turkiye just hours after her team was knocked out of their Champions League semi-final clash.

Julia Ituma was found dead at her hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, following her team's loss.

Reports from CNN Turk said Ituma was found motionless on the ground outside the Valley Hotel at around 5.30am Thursday, April, 13. Paramedics and emergency responders arrived at the scene a short while later and she was pronounced dead.

Reports said, the18-year-old, born in Milan to Nigerian-origin parents had fallen out of the window of her sixth-floor room at the Vally Hotel which she was believed to have been sharing with a fellow teammate. Exact details of the incident have not yet been confirmed.

“Igor Volley all wishes to express its condolences and participation in the pain of Julia’s family and loved ones. The club and all its members, heartbroken by the loss, will keep a respectful silence on the matter,” her club said in a release.

The club then specifies that the Turkish police are investigating the incident. The Italian consulate in Turkey said they were working closely with officials in the country and providing support to Ituma's family.

Ituma, who won the European Women’s Under-19 Championship with Italy, was considered a bet on the future.

“We are all dismayed by this tragedy which affects not only the volleyball world but all of Italian sport. Today we mourn the loss, not only of a great talent, but above all of a wonderful 18-year-old girl who we have seen grow closely, season after season,” said Italian Volleyball Federation President Giuseppe Manfredi, while expressing his condolences for the tragic loss of Ituma.

“We are in constant contact with Igor Novara and with the president of the Turkish Federation to give all possible support.”

The Italian federation has ordered a minute of silence in memory of her for all the volleyball matches that will take place until April 16.