International footballer dies days after tragic motorcycle accident | Football | Sport
Former international footballer Marios Oikonomou has died at the age of just 33 following a car crash last month. The ex-Sampdoria and Greece defender was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after the crash but sadly passed away.
Reports emerging from Italy indicate that Oikonomou was unable to recover from the wounds sustained in the collision, succumbing to his injuries nine days after the accident. A statement read: “Today the PAS Giannina family is mourning. Marios Economou, a child who earned the love and respect of all of us, left us prematurely. We spent moments of joy, effort and struggle together.
“Always with a smile, always with kindness. To his loved ones, to our President and father Giorgos Economou and his family, we express our deepest sympathy and our most sincere condolences.
“His memory will remain alive in all of us. Mario, we will remember you with love. May your memory be eternal.”
Oikonomou was involved in a collision with a vehicle driven by a 63–year-old motorist, leaving the 33-year-old with grave injuries as he was transported to hospital under emergency conditions. First responders and traffic police were swiftly deployed to the scene of the accident in Ioannina, northwestern Greece, on Saturday, May 23, close to the entrance of Hatzikosta Hospital.
Oikonomou was rushed to Ioannina University Hospital suffering critical head injuries. Medical staff carried out emergency surgery, including a decompressive craniectomy, a life-saving operation which involves temporarily removing part of the skull to reduce pressure.
After the procedure, Oikonomou was admitted to intensive care. Greek authorities confirmed that an investigation into the collision, which took place on a main road known for being particularly hazardous, remains underway.
Oikonomou, who had spells with Serie A sides Cagliari and Bologna, as well as leading Greek outfit AEK Athens and Danish club Copenhagen.
During his career, Oikonomou won six caps for Greece between 2016 and 2018 and spent substantial time plying his trade in Italy. The centre-back also had periods with clubs including SPAL and Bari in Serie A and Serie B.
