On the 6th of February 2023, Atsu was reported missing following the devastating 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
There were fears that he might have been trapped under the debris of Hatayspor’s headquarters in Antakya after the quake struck. Atsu had originally planned to depart from southern Turkey just hours before the earthquake occurred. However, despite his plans, he decided to stay with the club after scoring the winning goal in a match on the 5th of February, according to Hatayspor’s manager.
Initial reports on the 7th of February from the club’s vice-president, Mustafa Özat, suggested that Atsu had been rescued and was receiving treatment at a hospital. However, conflicting information arose on the 8th of February when the manager, Volkan Demirel, stated that both Atsu and the sporting director, Taner Savut, were still missing.
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As days passed, the situation remained uncertain. On the 14th of February, Atsu’s agent confirmed that two pairs of his shoes had been found, but there was still no sign of Atsu himself. Tragically, on the 18th of February, Atsu’s agent confirmed the worst: Atsu’s body was discovered among the rubble of the building he had been staying in. News of his passing spread, with his death reported at approximately 6 a.m. GMT.
In the midst of mourning, Atsu’s former club, Newcastle United, paid tribute to him during their match against Liverpool on the 18th of February. Before kick-off, a minute of applause was observed in his honor. Atsu’s widow and their children were present at the match. Similar tributes took place at other Premier League games held over the weekend.
Atsu’s body was repatriated to his native Ghana on the 20th of February. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia delivered a speech at his funeral, which was attended by many, and a solemn military procession honored his memory.
Further remembrance events followed, including a one-week observation held on the 4th of March 2023, at the Adjiringanor AstroTurf in Accra, Ghana. Finally, on the 17th of March 2023, Atsu was given a state-assisted funeral at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, before being laid to rest in his hometown, Dogobome, Ada Foah.
