Turkish police said 18-year-old Ituma was staying on the sixth floor of a hotel in Istanbul.
The body of the Italian-born athlete of Nigerian origin was discovered at 5:30 am local time in front of the hotel, Turkish daily Daily Sabah reported.
Her club announced, “With deep sorrow and emotion the untimely death of Italian volleyball player Julia Ituma.”
“The tragedy occurred in the early hours of the day and the specifics of the incident are being investigated by the Turkish police,” the Italian club added.
“We are all dismayed by this tragedy which affects not only the volleyball world but all of Italian sport,” Italian Volleyball Federation President Giuseppe Manfredi said in a statement.
“My first thought goes to Julia’s family, to whom I send my deepest condolences and I guarantee that the Italian Volleyball Federation will provide maximum support.”
AFP
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
