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Promising Aussie goalkeeper killed after being struck by lightning

Xinhua, May 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

An Australian goalkeeper who was killed after being struck by lightning in Malaysia has been remembered as a promising young player with the "world at his feet".

Stefan Petrovski, an up-and-coming Australian goalkeeper training with Malay club Melaka United, was rushed to hospital after being struck by lightning last month, but after spending a month in intensive care, he passed away in a coma overnight.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) said it was "saddened" to learn of Petrovski's death following the announcement from Melaka overnight.

"On behalf of the Australian football community, FFA sends their deepest condolences to the Petrovski family, friends and team mates," the FFA said in a statement on Melbourne.

The promising 18-year-old was acquired by Melaka United on a three-year contact after spending a number of years at second-tier Australian side Sydney Olympic.

The club released a statement on Monday expressing its grief at the "tragic passing", and remembered Petrovski as a down-to-earth team player.

Petrovski and teammate Mohd Afiq Azuan were standing near goalposts while at training on April 5 when the lightning struck. Both players were taken to hospital following the accident, and Azuan was released last month. Endit