MONROVIA — The Liberian football community is in mourning following the tragic death of Amara Kamara, a promising young player of the LFA First Division side, Blackman Warriors FC.
By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
Kamara, who joined Blackman Warriors from Pags FC, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, while en route to Ghana for medical treatment.
He died in Ivory Coast before reaching his destination for surgery.
The club confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday morning. In a statement signed by the club’s Secretary General, George T. Elliot, the team expressed its deep sadness.
“It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved player, Amara Kamara, who tragically departed from us in Ivory Coast while being transported to Ghana for advanced medical care,” the statement read.
“Kamara was not just a player but a family member, a role model, and an embodiment of the Blackman Warriors spirit. His dedication to the club and his love for the game inspired us all. His loss leaves a void that will never be filled. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Blackman Warrior community. As we mourn this devastating loss, we kindly ask for understanding and respect for the decisions made in a moment of urgency and deep concern for Amara’s well-being. We will continue to honor his memory and legacy as we move forward together. Rest in peace, Kamara. You will forever be in our hearts.”
Kamara, who had scored an equalizer for his team in a 3-3 draw against Bea Mountain FC on January 8, 2025, later sustained an injury that forced him out of the game during the closing stages.
He was rushed to Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town and then transferred to JFK Medical Center for further evaluation.
After extensive checkups, the doctors advised that the 17-year-old player be referred to Saint Joseph Catholic Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a chronic spinal cord injury that required surgery.
Blackman Warriors’ president, G. Nelson Meanyeah, clarified the circumstances surrounding Kamara’s medical treatment in an interview with FrontPage Africa late Thursday.
Meanyeah confirmed that, despite initial reports, the club was committed to securing the necessary treatment for Kamara, but Liberia lacked the medical infrastructure to perform the required surgery.
“Our club’s CEO requested a transfer to the Catholic Hospital for more specialized care after Kamara’s diagnosis at JFK. We hired Dr. Alvin N. Doe, who cut short his vacation abroad to attend to Kamara,” Meanyeah explained.
“When Dr. Doe arrived and assessed the situation, he determined that Liberia lacked the necessary equipment for the surgery. He recommended transferring Kamara to Ghana, where the required medical attention could be provided.”
On January 10, 2025, the club attempted to book a flight for Kamara to Accra, Ghana, but encountered difficulties. “We were told that only Asky Airlines had an airbed mattress for disabled passengers,” Meanyeah said.
“Despite filling out the necessary forms, we faced delays and were eventually told that no space was available on the flight.”
Frustrated by the lack of available resources, Meanyeah added, “How does a country not have a medical aircraft for patient transfers? This is unacceptable. We were willing to pay for five seats—three for Amara and two for his family and an official of the team—but that was not possible.”
In the face of these obstacles, the club and Kamara’s family decided to arrange an emergency ambulance to transport him to Ghana.
Tragically, Kamara passed away while en route in Ivory Coast, a devastating blow to his family, teammates, and the broader football community.
Kamara, who had been part of Blackman Warriors’ U17 team that participated in the Helsinki Tournament in Finland, was later promoted to the first division at just 16 years old.
His untimely death has left a lasting impact on Liberian football, and tributes have poured in from various clubs in the country.
“The Blackman Warriors family and the entire football community extend their condolences to Kamara’s family, teammates, and fans. His legacy as a talented and promising young player will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Amara’s family, the Blackman Warriors FC, and all those who were touched by his life and career.”
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