The world of professional sports finds itself in mourning this weekend amid news that a talented young player in the ranks of Major League Soccer has passed away.
As Fox News reports, Holden Trent, a 25-year-old goalkeeper with the Philadelphia Union squad, died on Saturday after what was said to be a stay of undetermined length in a hospital's intensive care unit.
Officials from Trent's team did not specify any details about the young player's cause of death, though his family did reveal the fact of his hospitalization in a post to his Instagram account.
In announcing Trent's death, members of his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support received in recent days amid the young man's apparent health crisis.
“We want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Holden passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and friends,” the message declared.
Amid their grief, the athlete's relatives added, “Details on services and celebration of life are forthcoming. Our family is deeply touched to see and experience the love you all have for Holden.”
As ESPN reported, Trent was a Greensboro, North Carolina, native who was selected by the Philadelphia Union as the 28th pick in the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
The talented young goalie entered the professional draft after spending time playing at High Point University, according to the outlet.
Though he had not yet appeared as a goalkeeper in a first-team game, he did appear in six matches for the organization's second team in the MLS Next Pro arm.
Trent's team posted a statement in response to the goalkeeper's death, declaring, “The Philadelphia Union is devastated by the heartbreaking passing of Holden Trent. While he was a wonderful player and fierce competitor, he was more importantly a devoted son, brother fiancé, and teammate who made those around him better.”
The team statement went on, “He embodied the true meaning of determination, dedication and perseverance, and he will be deeply missed. We extend our greatest sympathies to his family, his fiancée, and his friends.”
Major League Soccer also issued a statement of its own, saying that the organization “joins the Philadelphia Union and our entire soccer community in mourning the tragic passing of Union goalkeeper Holden Trent.”
The organization went on to describe Trent as a “young goalkeeper with a bright future” and someone who “showcased determination and professionalism every day as he contributed to the close-knit goalkeeping unit at Philadelphia.”
The soccer community and the larger world of sports surely join together in offering condolences and sympathies to all those who loved Holden Trent, whose life ended far too soon.
