Ex-Belgium footballer Denis Dasoul killed after being struck by lightning while learning to surf

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A former Belgium footballer was killed in a freak accident after being struck by lightning as he learned how to surf

Denis Dasoul, 34, had spells with Standard Liege , Genk and Royal Antwerp and captained Belgium at youth level.

He visited Bali last week to fulfil his dream of learning to surf and paddled out with his instructor on Sunday afternoon - despite grey clouds and light drizzle overhead at the Batu Bolong beach in the Canggu district

At around 2.15pm horrified witnesses described seeing a massive bolt of lightning unexpectedly tear down from the sky and hit Denis close to the shore.

The 34-year-old, who checked into the resort with girlfriend Pellaers Allison, died instantly.

Johannes H. Widya Nainggolan from the North Kuta Police Headquarters said: "It was drizzling and the clouds were pretty dark.

"The victims were suddenly struck by lightning and died on the spot."

Dasoul Denis captained the Belgium U18 national team and went on to play for Bregenz in the Austrian Bundesliga as well as for Perugia and and Torres Sassari in Italy.

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He finished playing professionally in 2011 aged 27 and moved to Australia for a new life where he set up home with girlfriend Pellaers, a project manager in Melbourne.

Former clubs Royal Antwerp and Torres paid tribute, with the latter sending their condolences in a statement.

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"A tragic accident took away a loved one, Denis Andre Dasoul who was only 34 years old.

"Denis served for Torres in 2010 and 2011 and we are reminded of the great human he was and his professional qualities. To his family we send our most heartfelt condolences from the Torres Sassari club."

Vandaag vernamen we dat oud-speler Denis #Dasoul overleden is. Ons medeleven aan familie en vrienden. #RIP #YNWAhttps://t.co/ZEsXX6UVf3 pic.twitter.com/My9brZw7u2 — Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) November 6, 2017