Dream of becoming a professional footballer ended tragically for 12-year-old Sterdji Charlotin, who passed away during a match after collapsing from a sudden illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Sterdji could not be revived.
Sudden Collapse on the Sidelines
Sterdji began feeling unwell while watching his teammates from the substitute bench. He collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital. Despite having no previous health issues, Sterdji died on the way. His devastated father, Junior Charlotin, received the heartbreaking news through a phone call from the doctor.
A Father’s Grief
Junior shared his sorrow with local media, stating, “When I got to the hospital, I saw that my son had already passed away. The doctor told me he had arrived dead and had tried to revive his heart, but it wouldn’t start beating again.”
A Family’s Journey
Sterdji was the middle child of a Haitian family that moved to Brazil in search of a better life. His mother arrived in 2015, followed by his father in 2016, and Sterdji along with his older brother in 2019. The family had settled into their new life, with Sterdji showing great promise and passion for football.
Passion for Football
Every Saturday morning, Sterdji played football with the Pratas da Casa Academy, where he had been a member for about a year. His love for the sport started as a toddler, inspired by his idol, Ronaldinho. Junior reminisced, “I would ask, ‘After you finish school, what do you want to learn?’ And he would tell me, ‘Dad, there’s only one thing I dream of – becoming a great player.’”
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy struck on the morning of Saturday, July 6. Sterdji’s cause of death was recorded as “natural causes,” and he was laid to rest in Arroio do Meio on July 7. He is survived by his parents, his 16-year-old brother, and his one-month-old sister. The incident is not under investigation, with police chief Juliano Stobbe confirming, “There was no reported violence, and there were witnesses to the sudden illness.”
Remembering Sterdji
Sterdji Charlotin’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family and the community. His dream of becoming a professional footballer may have been cut short, but his passion and spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
