Los Angeles Galaxy and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane is mourning the death of his cousin Alan Harris, who was reportedly killed by sewer fumes.
Mr Harris and his brother Stephen, who is critically ill in hospital, were working on a broken pipe six metres beneath ground at an upmarket estate in Portmarnock, North County Dublin when they were overcome by fumes.
According to the Irish Mirror, Mr Harris, a father of two, passed away from gas poisoning and after Keane was informed of the news, he told his national teammates of the tragedy while on Ireland duty this week.
The report claims that police are investigating any breathing equipment used by the pair while carrying out the work.
It is believed that the two brothers are nephews of Keane's mother Anne.