Tragic End for Promising Football Talent
The sports community in Maharashtra is mourning the tragic loss of former Mumbai Under-16 football player Sagar Sorti, whose body was discovered in Palghar district after he had been missing for two days. The 33-year-old athlete, who once represented Mumbai at the junior level, was found dead under circumstances that have prompted a police investigation.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
According to Palghar SP Yatish Deshmukh, Sagar Sorti left his home on November 16, informing family members that he was heading to Pune to play football. When he failed to respond to calls and messages for two consecutive days, his concerned family initiated a search operation.
The breakthrough came on November 18 when local villagers alerted the Kasa police about discovering a body approximately 150 kilometers from Sorti's residence. The location raised questions about the footballer's actual movements after leaving home.
Mental Health Struggles Revealed
Family members disclosed to investigating officers that Sorti had been battling depression for two years, a condition that had significantly impacted his daily life and relationships. His mental health struggles had become so severe that he had cut off contact with friends and was not participating in preparations for his brother's wedding, which was scheduled to occur within two weeks.
The postmortem examination conducted at JJ Hospital confirmed hanging as the cause of death. Police officials noted that no suicide note was found at the scene, though Sorti's mobile phone was recovered and is being examined as part of the investigation.
Police Investigation Underway
Palghar police have registered an accidental death case and assigned a sub-inspector rank officer to lead the investigation. SP Yatish Deshmukh revealed that Sorti had spoken to several people on November 16, and investigators are currently contacting these individuals to gather statements that might provide clarity about his final hours.
Authorities are also examining whether Sorti was undergoing any medical treatment for his mental health condition. The investigation aims to piece together the events leading to his tragic death and understand the factors that may have contributed to this outcome.
This incident has highlighted the critical importance of mental health awareness, particularly among athletes who may face unique pressures during and after their sporting careers.
