The soccer world has been hit with heartbreaking news over the past week.
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Three young players from different parts of the world have died in separate incidents, leaving teammates, families and communities searching for answers.
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In England, 17-year-old Adam Ankers collapsed during a match while playing for the Wycombe Wanderers Foundation under-19 team. Per PEOPLE, witnesses said Ankers shouted that his chest felt tight late in the second half before falling unconscious. He was rushed to a hospital and died four days later after suffering brain damage.
A recent inquiry found that his cardiac arrest was not immediately recognized on the field, which meant CPR and a defibrillator were not used until paramedics arrived. Officials later determined Ankers had an undiagnosed inherited heart condition.
Across the Atlantic, the soccer community in Southern California is mourning 12-year-old Adriel Enriquez. The young athlete collapsed during practice after experiencing breathing trouble and later died from cardiac arrest, per KCAL/KCBS. Family members said he had no known medical issues.
"He worked hard every day," one of his coaches said. "He was always looking out for others."
Meanwhile in England, 15-year-old goalkeeper Amelia Aplin died after collapsing during a youth match involving Oxford United Women's academy program, per PEOPLE.
Tributes have poured in across the soccer world as teams, leagues and fans honor the young players.
Each had dreams in the sport, and each left behind a grieving soccer family.
