Grant Wahl’s brother Eric announces he will write a book about his life after the World Cup death

Grant Wahl’s brother says he will write a book about the late American football reporter’s life following his death at last month’s World Cup in Qatar.

Wahl died suddenly at the age of 49 from a ruptured aortic aneurysm while covering Argentina’s game against Holland.

Wahl’s brother Eric wrote on Twitter on New Year’s Eve how his brother’s death has affected him and how he wants to pay tribute to his life.

“On this last day of a tough year, when somehow it feels unfair to send Grant into a past that is forever further away, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you who have offered words of kindness and support.” , he wrote. “I didn’t think Twitter could be a force for good.

Grant Wahl’s brother Eric (right) says he will write a book about the late football journalist

Wahl died unexpectedly at the age of 49 in Qatar, where he was reporting on the World Cup

“And that’s a solid reminder that more good, more kindness, is always possible. My social media hasn’t always been a place of kindness, and it’s not hard to scroll down a bit and see that.

“But I do recognize that the events of the last few months have changed something inside me, and I want to honor Grant’s memory by using the principles and ideals of our parents and mentors to try to bring good into the world.

“Grant has often taken my case to get my writing degrees going, so I think I’ll do that and write a book about our family, Grant, and our grief.

“Writing the book will be part of my process of coming to terms with my new reality. By telling the story of our family and Grant’s place in it, I believe those familiar with his work will gain a better understanding of what made Grant the incredible man he was and why.”

Eric Wahl initially suspected foul play in his brother’s death, having previously been denied entry to a stadium for wearing a rainbow symbol on his shirt.

Erich Wahl said on Twitter on New Year’s Eve that he would write the book about his brother

But he later retracted that claim after learning his brother had an undiscovered heart condition.

Wahl wrote about football for Sports Illustrated for more than two decades, before launching his own website.

He was an important voice in educating an American public about football during a period of heightened interest after the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup.

He also took a critical look at the sport’s international organizing bodies.