Dutch Soccer Player Mats Grotenbreg Dies at 28 In Boat Collision

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Mats Grotenbreg on July 24, 2017 in The Netherlands
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NEED TO KNOW​

• Dutch soccer player Mats Grotenbreg died at age 28 after a collision with a boat on Thursday, June 25, according to multiple reports
• Grotenbreg scored the winning goal in a major upset victory for USV Hercules in 2023 and appeared in multiple reality shows in The Netherlands
• Friends, family and former teammates have begun sharing tributes to Grotenbreg

Dutch soccer player Mats Grotenbreg has died after a tragic boat collision in the Netherlands. He was 28.

The former USV Hercules hero, who scored the winning goal in a 2023 match considered one of the greatest upsets in Dutch football history, was swimming in Mookerplas when the incident occurred, according to ESPN and the NL Times.

The accident happened on Thursday, June 25, according to a police statement. "This occurred during a collision between a boat and a swimmer. The police have since arrested a suspect," authorities said.

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Mats Grotenbreg on June 22, 2022 in The Netherlands
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Netherlands police did not identify Grotenbreg as the victim, but confirmed the deceased's age as 28 and said the man was from Huissen, Grotenbreg's hometown. "At this time, we cannot provide any further information in the interest of the investigation," police said, adding, "Specialists from National Expertise and Operations are investigating the circumstances of the incident."

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Tributes have been pouring in on Grotenbreg's most recent Instagram posts, expressing shock and sadness at the sudden death of the athlete, who also appeared on reality television in the Netherlands, including De Bacheloretteand FBoy Island.

Grotenbreg's former teammate, Nicky Hofs, posted a photo with his late friend, writing, "You were a great one, way too young , we will miss you friend."

Giovanni Buttner shared a picture of their former team and wrote, translated from Dutch, "Bro no words for 6 years of playing football together and got the phone call with the terrible news I wish the parents and family lots of strength with this terrible news."

Sebastiaan Kirk Schrader, Grotenbreg's co-star on De Bachelorette, posted a photo from filming the series and wrote, "Words fall short... rest easy big friend ️."

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