*This content was translated by AI.
Simon Bunilangi (26), a player for Kyushu Power Kyuden Vortex of the Japan Rugby League One Division 2, was transferred to a hospital immediately after training due to symptoms of heat stroke and ultimately passed away.
The Kyushu Power Kyuden Vortex club announced on the 8th via its official website: "Player Simon Bunilangi passed away at a hospital in Fukuoka city on the morning of the 7th. We express our deepest condolences."
According to the club, Bunilangi showed symptoms of heat stroke after finishing team training on the 3rd and was immediately transferred to medical care for treatment. However, he sadly passed away at the hospital four days later. The club stated: "We are speechless due to this sudden tragedy. Although Simon Bunilangi joined the team only recently this season, his powerful play had already drawn high expectations for his performance in the new season. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the repose of the deceased." The club also requested that reporters refrain from direct interviews or inquiries out of consideration for the family's feelings.
Local reports indicate that Bunilangi, originally from Fiji, possessed exceptional physical attributes with a height of 196cm and weight of 117kg. He played for Tokyo Sungoliath, a Division 1 team, until last season, before making a sudden transfer to Kyushu Power in July.
The heat proved fatal. On the day of the incident, the 3rd, the temperature during training in Fukuoka city reached 36.9 degrees Celsius. It is reported that he was given multiple water breaks during approximately 50 minutes of running-focused training.
The sudden tragedy has deeply shocked Japanese experts. Meteorologist Ryuichi Yonezawa stated: "On the day of the accident, a heat stroke warning was in effect for Fukuoka Prefecture. The highest temperature soared to 36.9 degrees Celsius, the second-highest this year." He added: "The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which indicates risk levels, exceeded the highest danger threshold (above 31) and reached above 34. Considering the ground's characteristics where perceived temperatures are significantly higher, measures such as adjusting training manuals are necessary."
Local netizens also expressed strong concern and criticism: "It is a tremendous shock that even a fit professional rugby player with excellent stamina died from heat stroke. This reminds us how deadly outdoor activities can be in midsummer," "Outdoor training in extreme heat is almost equivalent to suicide. During such hellish summer heat, there must be judgment to suspend training or move it indoors," and "Even school swimming classes are suspended when temperatures are high; sports venues should significantly strengthen criteria for holding games and training during summer to protect the lives of both youth and adult athletes."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.