Former Lyon and Saint Etienne prospect Kenzo Kies has sadly died after being declared brain dead as the result of a drowning incident in the Rhône.
Kies, who is under contract with Ligue 2 side Guingamp, was ‘swept away by the current’ on Monday, according to the Lyon Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The 21-year-old was rescued along with two friends but hospitalised and later declared brain dead.
Former side ASSE have now announced he passed away two days later.
Tributes from Saint-Etienne and Guingamp
They wrote: “The Green Generation is in mourning.
“A resident of the Robert-Herbin Sports Center for seven years, a talented player and discreet young man appreciated by all, Kenzo Kies has lost his life in dramatic circumstances.
“AS Saint-Etienne extends its most sincere condolences to his loved ones as well as to those – teammates and coaches alike – who shared a piece of his Stéphanois journey.
“Kenzo, in the corridors of L’Étrat, no one will ever forget you.”
Guingamp, who Kenzo was contracted to, added: “EAG Mourning the Loss of Kenzo Kies
“En Avant Guingamp has had the sorrow of learning of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player with the Club.
“A Guingamp native since last summer, he was playing this season with the reserve team.
“En Avant Guingamp extends its most sincere condolences to Kenzo Kies’s family as well as to all his loved ones, and offers them its full support during this painful ordeal.”
Kenzo Kies’ football career
Born in Lyon, he began his career at FC Lyon (2010-2011), then played for Olympique Lyonnais in the youth ranks (2011-2017), before moving to AS Saint-Priest (2017-2018). After a long spell at AS Saint-Étienne (2018-2025), he signed with Guingamp last year.
An investigation into the causes of the death was immediately opened by the Lyon public prosecutor’s office to determine the circumstances of the events.
This investigation has been entrusted to the DIPN (Interregional Directorate of the National Police) of the Rhône department.
Rising drowning incidents during France’s heatwave
40 people have drowned in France since June 18th, with many attributed to the contrast in temperatures.
The country is currently in a heat wave, and upon entering cold water abruptly, the body goes into shock.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the figure on Tuesday, saying the deaths are ‘mostly young people’.
He will also be chairing a new inter-ministerial crisis unit comprised of 18 ministers to workout how to stop the “tragic scourge of drownings.”
Public health advice is to enter water gradually to avoid shock, but if it happens to you, lay on your back until your body acclimatises.
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