Overview
- Kenzo Kies was pulled from the Rhone in critical condition on Monday and later died after being declared brain dead following resuscitation attempts.
- The incident took place near Parc de la Feyssine, a location where swimming is prohibited, and a strong current swept four people away while divers initially struggled to locate Kies.
- Two companions were rescued without serious injury and a third was revived and taken to hospital in stable condition after emergency crews responded around 5:30 p.m.
- Kies came through the youth systems at Lyon and Saint-Étienne and was playing for En Avant Guingamp’s reserve team; both clubs issued condolences and Saint-Étienne said it will honour him at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium next season.
- Officials say the nation’s record-breaking heatwave has driven people into rivers despite warnings, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reporting dozens of recent drownings and authorities likely to step up safety messaging and enforcement.