Former Lyon and Saint Etienne prospect Kenzo Kies has been declared brain dead after 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.
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 injury 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.
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 suffered lay on your back until your body acclimatises.
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