Grant Wahl (right). PictureGroup

Body of deceased soccer journalist Grant Wahl returned to the U.S.

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/12/22

A senior state department official announced that the body and possessions of soccer journalist Grant Wahl were repatriated to the U.S. on Monday, ESPN reported.

Wahl, a high-profile journalist who helped to grow the soccer coverage in the United States, collapsed on Friday while covering the Argentina-Netherlands match at the World Cup in Qatar and was then taken to the hospital where he later passed away. He was 48 years old.

American journalist Grant Wahl has been returned to his family in the U.S. We're honored to have shepherded him home, & grateful to the government of Qatar for their cooperation & transparency with our consular process. Our hearts continue to go out to Grant’s family & community. https://t.co/V825pkMlKr
— Ambassador Timmy T. Davis (@USAmbQatar) December 12, 2022

Tributes to Wahl have taken over social media over the last few days, with everyone from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to LeBron James paying their respects.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 12, 2022

You had a huge impact on me and my family and I’m so appreciative of you. A great person and journalist. Rest In Paradise Grant Wahl. https://t.co/rvFDGEA9fz
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 10, 2022

There has been no word yet as to whether there will be a large memorial for Wahl stateside. Over in Qatar, fellow journalists set up a memorial for him in the press box during the France-England match.

Just arrived to Al Bayt Stadium for England v France. A few seats down, a memorial to Grant Wahl, in the place where he would have watched the game. pic.twitter.com/ttpEnBGT61
— Meg Swanick (@Meg_Swanick) December 10, 2022

More must-reads: