Former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez has tragically died of suspected heart failure at the age of 27.
The Ecuador international's death comes just a few weeks after his £10million switch to Qatari side El Jaish from Mexican team Club America.
As footballers across the world took to Twitter to voice their grief at news of his death, the Ecuadorian Football Federation revealed he was rushed to hospital yesterday with 'severe stomach pain' before he died from a heart attack.
In a statement on its website, the EFA said: '[Benitez] had severe stomach pain and was rushed to a hospital where, after a few hours, suffered cardio-respiratory arrest, which ended his life.'
They added: 'The Ecuadorian Football Federation extends its heartfelt note of sympathy to the family members, parents, wife, children and friends of our striker Cristian Benitez.'
El Jaish also released a statement confirming the news. It said: 'The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player.
'Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons.
'The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday's match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems.
'His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff.
'He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.'
A tweet from Club America read: 'You left as a champion, you will always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace Christian Benitez.'
He was diagnosed with appendicitis, but - according to his father-in-law Cleber Chala - this developed into peritonitis and complications led to a respiratory arrest.
Mr Chala, who spoke on Ecuadorian radio and cited by The Mirror, said: 'They called me at 3am to tell me that they had taken him to hospital as an emergency due to stomach pains.
'When he arrived, he was not seen to quickly.
'By the time he was admitted he was no longer responding. This happened in Qatar, my daughter is alone there.'
Benitez, nicknamed 'Chucho', was on loan at St. Andrew's for the 2009-10 season, making 36 appearances for the Blues. He won 58 caps for Ecuador, including appearances at the 2006 World Cup.
Manchester United winger Antonia Valencia led the tributes to his compatriot. Valencia took to Twitter to pay his respects, including posting a touching photo of the pair together.
As tributes for Benitez from around the game began to pour in, it became clear that the striker had an impact on team-mates during his short time in Birmingham.
Former Blues star Craig Gardner, who now plays for Sunderland, took to his Twitter account to register his condolences, posting: 'Can't believe Christian Benitez aka chucho has died had the pleasure to play with him he was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family.'
Source: Daily Mail
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