League Two: Kenzo Kies in brain-dead condition after drowning in the Rhone
French football has been hit by tragedy. Kenzo Kies, who plays in League Two, was the victim of a drowning incident on Monday afternoon in the Rhone in Caluire-et-Cuire, part of the Lyon metropolitan area. He is now being described as brain dead.
The Lyon prosecutor’s office has confirmed the facts and said an investigation is under way to piece together exactly what happened.
A scorching afternoon by the river
The incident happened around 17h30 in the Feyssine park area, between Villeurbanne and Caluire-et-Cuire. Several young people entered the Rhone despite a clear ban on swimming in a spot known for dangerous currents. The heat was brutal in Lyon that day, with temperatures close to 38°C. The riverbanks were packed, as they often are during heatwaves, even in high-risk areas.
Emergency crews were called just before 18h30. By the time they arrived, three youngsters had already managed to get back to shore. The fourth, Kenzo Kies, who plays in League Two, was still in the water and struggling against the current. He was pulled out in a critical condition and taken to hospital. Despite rapid treatment, his condition did not improve and doctors later said he was brain dead.
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An investigation and fresh warnings about safety
The Lyon prosecutor’s office has opened a death-inquiry investigation to establish the exact circumstances of the tragedy. The incident comes amid wider concern, with several drowning cases reported in recent days across France. Authorities continue to warn about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised areas, especially during extreme heat.
According to the Ministry of Sports and Youth, about 20 drowning deaths have already been recorded since the start of the weekend.
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