Japanese 20s Sumo Wrestler Dies One Month After Testing Positive for COVID-19

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese sumo wrestler Suetake Kiyotaka (28) passed away on the 13th, just over a month after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Suetake died early that morning at a hospital in Tokyo due to multiple organ failure caused by COVID-19 pneumonia. This is the first case of a sumo wrestler dying from a COVID-19 infection.

Suetake had shown a fever over 38 degrees Celsius starting from the 4th of last month and underwent a COVID-19 test. He tested positive on the 8th and his condition worsened ten days later on the 19th, after which he was treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Tokyo.

The Japan Sumo Association expressed condolences, stating, "We offer our deepest sympathies. We believe the more than one month of battling illness was very difficult. We hope he rests in peace." They also expressed gratitude to the medical institutions that diligently provided care.

Suetake was ranked Sandanme, the third lowest of the top 10 ranks used to classify Japanese sumo wrestlers.

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