Sad news: England's second division announced the death of their former player, who was just 25 years old.

A former player of English Championship club West Bromwich Albion has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a friendly match in Portugal. The club confirmed the death of Quevin Castro, who had played as an attacking midfielder, following his collapse on the pitch. Medical personnel attempted to revive him using a defibrillator before emergency services arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Castro collapsed during the match, which took place in Portugal, prompting immediate medical attention. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he did not survive. West Bromwich Albion announced the tragic news on its official website, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their former players. The club plans to honor Castro’s memory with a minute’s applause at the 25th minute of their upcoming match against Burnley. Players will also wear black armbands in his tribute. Castro was born in England but had Portuguese heritage. He spent part of his career in the academy of London-based Chelsea before joining West Bromwich Albion. He made his debut for the first team in a League Cup match against Arsenal in 2021. However, he managed only three appearances for WBA, building much of his career in lower-tier leagues in both England and Portugal. The incident has raised concerns about player safety and health protocols during matches, particularly in non-league or friendly games where medical support might not be as robust as in professional competitions. Friends and former teammates have expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss, emphasizing Castro's potential and the impact he could have had on the sport. Castro’s family released a statement confirming his passing and requesting privacy during this difficult time. They thanked everyone for their support and prayers. Details about the circumstances leading to his collapse remain under investigation, though initial reports suggest there were no obvious signs of injury prior to the incident. West Bromwich Albion has pledged to review its policies regarding player welfare and medical preparedness, especially in international friendlies. Club officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring the well-being of all athletes, whether they are current or former players. The tragedy has sparked discussions within football circles about the need for more stringent health checks and emergency response measures during training sessions and matches. Castro’s death has also prompted calls for greater awareness around cardiac conditions in sports. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of regular medical assessments and access to advanced life-saving equipment on the field. Football governing bodies and clubs worldwide are being urged to take additional steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The club has scheduled a memorial service to honor Castro’s contributions to football and to remember his legacy. Fans and supporters are encouraged to participate in tributes, reflecting on the young athlete’s journey and the untapped promise that was cut short. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to this heartbreaking event and implementing necessary changes to safeguard players' lives.