In a heartbreaking announcement, the French handball club Plan-de-Cuques has reported the sudden passing of their goalkeeper, Jemima Kabeya, at the tender age of 21. The team confirmed her death on Tuesday, but the circumstances surrounding it remain undisclosed.

Kabeya made her mark in the sport, having represented France at the junior level. Plan-de-Cuques paid tribute to her exceptional skills and warm personality, stating, “She was a goalkeeper of great talent and an exemplary teammate, but Jemima was above all a radiant, sunny young woman of immense kindness. Her smile and her commitment will leave an indelible memory in our hearts and in the history of Handball Plan-de-Cuques.”

Playing for Plan-de-Cuques since 2022, Kabeya had recently signed an extension for an additional two years set to begin in 2024. Her performance on the court this season had been remarkable; she ranked among the top goalkeepers in the French league, featuring a commendable saving efficiency of 35.6% along with achieving 78 saves.

The International Handball Federation expressed its sorrow over her untimely demise, with IHF president Dr. Hassan Moustafa extending heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, teammates, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. The federation described the loss of such a bright and vibrant young individual as a tragedy that is difficult to articulate.