March 18 – North Macedonian side FC Shkupi have paid tribute to midfielder Andrej Lazarov, who was one of the 59 people killed in the fire at a nightclub in Kocani at the weekend. Due to the huge tragedy, seven days of national mourning were declared in North Macedonia.
Lazarov tried to help dozens of people before being gassed and receiving severe burns. Initially, his club announced that his condition was stable, but only three hours later they said that the 25-year-old had died from his wounds.
“It is with deep pain and immense sadness that we share the news that our football player, Andrej Lazarov, has been confirmed as one of the victims in the tragic fire that occurred overnight in Kocani,” Shkupi said in a statement.
“As the heroic soul that he was, Lazarov lost his life trying to help others escape from the area engulfed by fire. He suffocated from the smoke during his attempts to save lives, showing courage and humanity until the last moment.
“His heroic act will forever remain in our memory, as a testimony to his noble character and his big heart.
“This is a huge loss for our club, for his teammates and for the entire football community. Words are too small to describe the pain we feel in these moments, in this tragedy – one of the biggest that has affected our club in its history.
“FC Shkupi expresses its most sincere condolences to his family, his loved ones, and the entire large family of our club.
“Andrej was part of Shkupi for only six months, but his name will forever remain an indelible part of our team. His memory will live forever in our hearts.”
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at moc.l1742322269labto1742322269ofdlr1742322269owedi1742322269sni@o1742322269fni1742322269.