The football grounds of Yonne fell silent after the death of Christopher, a 47-year-old amateur player and devoted Auxerre supporter, following a medical emergency during a departmental match on Sunday 18 October.
Christopher, a season-ticket holder at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, became unwell early in the second half of AS Montoise’s third-tier departmental fixture against Union Vergigny-Saint-Florentin Portugais. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm.
Quick facts
- Christopher was 47 and played amateur football for AS Montoise.
- He complained of chest pain and shortness of breath during the match.
- A firefighter at the ground and spectators gave assistance before emergency services took over.
- He was revived but later died in hospital in Auxerre.
- Auxerre will pay tribute before their match against Le Mans.
He suffered cardiac arrest after reporting breathing difficulties and pain in his chest. A firefighter who was present, joined by other people at the ground, began helping him before emergency crews arrived.
Emergency responders managed to restart his heart, but his condition remained critical. He was taken to Auxerre hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma, before dying later that evening.
Christopher was deeply involved with life at AS Montoise, a club in the Yonne department. His two children are also registered players there.
Auxerre offered condolences to his family and friends, noting that Christopher and his children were passionate followers of the club. A tribute is planned before Auxerre face Le Mans on Sunday.
The president of the Yonne district, Christophe Caillet, described the death as “an absolute tragedy” and said there must be serious discussion in the coming months about improving medical safeguards around amateur sport.
AS Montoise has opened an online fundraising collection to support Christopher’s family.
