Just hours after her team was defeated from the Champions League semi-finals in Istanbul, Turkey, Italian volleyball player Julia Ituma, who was of Nigerian heritage, passed away after falling from a hotel window.
On Thursday, April 13, the 18-year-old’s body was found at her hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Italian consulate in Turkey declared that they were aiding Ituma’s family and coordinating with Turkish authorities.
Ituma had been playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara in their second-leg quarterfinal game against Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul, and despite their loss, she had scored two points.
Ituma was found motionless on the ground outside the Valley Hotel at about 5.30 am on Thursday, according to CNN.
Shortly after paramedics and other emergency personnel arrived, she was declared dead.
The incident is being investigated, according to the local police. In attempt to ascertain the reason for her tragic passing, her body was afterwards sent for a forensic investigation.
Ituma, one of Italy’s most promising volleyball players, was born in Milan in 2001 to parents who were from Nigeria. When she was eleven years old, she started playing volleyball.
She transferred from Club Italia three seasons before to joining Igor Gorgonzola Novara. With Igor, Ituma has just recently completed the season, placing fifth in the domestic Serie A1 competition.
The incident is being investigated, according to the local police. In attempt to ascertain the reason for her tragic passing, her body was afterwards sent for a forensic investigation.
With the Italian Under-19 national team, Ituma took home a gold medal in the European Championship and European Youth Olympic Festival in 2017. She finished second with the Under-18 team after their 2021 loss to Russia earlier.
Source: Within Nigeria
Photo Credit: Within Nigeria
