The captain of a soccer team rescued from a cave in 2018 has died at the age of 17.
Reuters reported Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep died in Britain where he was attending a soccer academy. The report cited information from his former teacher.
The outlet noted the circumstances of his death were not clear.
“Duangpetch Promthep has now gone to another world,” Supatpong Methigo, a Buddhist monk who taught the boys, said in a post on Facebook, per Reuters.
The post continues, “I hope he will be reborn and become my student again in the next life.”
Supatpong explained he learned of the death from Promthep’s grandmother.
According to the teacher, the soccer player’s grandmother said he had suffered an unspecified accident in Britain, Reuters reported.
“I wanted to see his dream realised … but rest well now Dom,” former Thai national team captain and coach, Kiatisuk Senamuang, said in an Instagram post, according to the report.
Promthep and the soccer team of 12 made headlines in 2018 after they went into Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, along with their coach after a practice.
They became trapped after heavy rain filled the cave entrance, leading them into underground passages.
They were found alive more than a week after being declared missing.
According to The New York Times, they had managed to survive by “conserving energy and licking water off the cave walls.”
The Times pointed out Thai Navy Seals, expert cave divers from around the world and workers from several government agencies, as well as pumps to manage water levels, were required to rescue the team.
While the team survived, one volunteer diver, Saman Gunan, died.
Promthep’s former teammates posted messages on social media reacting to his death.
“When we met last time before you left for England, I still jokingly said to you that I have to get your autograph when you come back,” Prachak Sutham, who was a member of the team, said.
He added, “Rest in peace my friend, there will always be 13 of us.”
Another teammate, Chanin Viboonrungruang, explained, “You are one of the persons who pushes me and makes me want to develop myself to your level.”
The message continues, “If next life is real, I wish we will play football together as a team again.”
