Professional Soccer Player Dies In Fire 'Trying To Help Others Escape'

Today at 01:40 AM

Sportspersons are heroes to millions for what they achieve on the field, but many of them are real-life heroes as well. North Macedonian soccer player Andrej Lazarov is one of them, as the player for FC Skopje reportedly passed in a tragic fire.

The club in their statement revealed that Lazarov was actively helping others escape but couldn't get himself free in time before perishing from his injuries.

"Like the heroic spirit he was, Lazarov lost his life trying to help others escape the fire-torn environment. He was poisoned by smoke during his attempts to save lives, showing courage and humanity until the very last moment. His heroic act will always remain in our memories, as a testament to his noble character and his big heart."

"This is a huge loss for our club, our teammates and the entire football community. Words are not enough to describe the pain we feel right now, in one of the biggest tragedies in history that has hit our club!.. Andrej was only a part of Skopje for six months, but his name will always remain unchanged as part of our team. His memory will always remain in our hearts."

Lazarov was in an overcrowded nightclub on Sunday night when a fire tore through the club, leaving 59 people dead and 155 injured. This happened during a live concert for a band named DNK, with the fire appearing to be set off by concert pyrotechnics hitting the ceiling.

I dedicate this post to you, Andrej, your bandmates and all the children who left this world too soon 💔. You, like a TRUE HERO, lost your life saving young lives.
Rest in peace, golden children🙏 pic.twitter.com/bC3GeXlCd6

— Svetlana Stefanovska (@SvetlanaSt68033) March 17, 2025

The government has declared seven days of grieving for the young victims of this incident, including teenagers. The sacrifice of 25-year-old Lazarov will be remembered for years, as the soccer player did his civic duty by helping people escape, even if it came at the cost of his own life.