PAOK and the entire Greek soccer community were plunged into grief on Friday (July 10) following a traffic accident in Thessaloniki that claimed the life of a 15-year-old female soccer player as she was returning from practice.

The tragic incident occurred around 12:00 p.m., when the motorcycle on which the minor was riding—and which was being driven by her father—collided with a garbage truck under circumstances that remain unclear at this time.

The unfortunate girl was one of the rising stars of the PAOK Academy; and had also joined the first team’s program; she was set to travel to Bulgaria this coming weekend for friendly matches. However, those matches were postponed following this unspeakable tragedy.

The 15-year-old was picked up by an EKAV ambulance that rushed to the scene and transported her urgently to “G. Gennimatas,” where the doctors and nursing staff made superhuman efforts to keep her alive, but her injuries were too severe, and the unfortunate athlete passed away.

The Thessaloniki Traffic Police have taken over the preliminary investigation to determine the exact causes and circumstances of the tragic accident.

*photo source: PAOK FC / PAOK FC