Tragedy unfolded as 43-year-old basketballer Tasos Balafas breathed his last in the stadium of Schimatari. In a statement issued today by the Air Force, the 43-year-old was originally serving in the 26th Guided Missile Squadron at Tanagra Air Base.
It is recalled that after the end of the match between Proteas Schimatariou and the Air Force team, the 43-year-old father of two children headed to the locker room to change.
There, reported Proto Thema, he was found passed out by his wife, who is also a former basketballer and now a coach. Massages were done, while the match doctor tried to revive him with the defibrillator, but to no avail.
The 42-year-old was taken by ambulance to the local Health Centre where he was pronounced dead.
The announcement of the Air Force
"At noon on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Archiminias (ECHRN) A.M. 43 years old, who was serving in the 26th Guided Missile Squadron, at Tanagra Air Base, after a basketball game as part of the annual Air Force (PA) Basketball Championship, suddenly lost consciousness.
"First aid was immediately provided to him and he was taken to the Schimatari Health Centre, accompanied by medical staff, where he was pronounced dead. The exact cause of his death is being investigated.
"The General Air Staff expresses its regret for the loss of its colleague and its condolences to his family and loved ones."
Condolence announcement of the EEC
"A young man, a family man and devoted to basketball, passed away suddenly today (21/3) at noon at the age of 42.
"Tasos Balafas, who had associated his name with the Protea Schimatari team where he played for many years, but had served in other roles, 'left' after a basketball game with the aviation team.
"The members of the Board of Directors express their deep sorrow and sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased."
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