Soccer

Ex-pro athlete fatally struck by lightning while learning to surf

A former Belgium footballer was struck by lightning and died instantly while learning to surf, according to reports.

Denis Dasoul, 34, was taking surfing lessons with an instructor Sunday afternoon in Bali, Indonesia, when the pair was hit by a bolt of lightning, the Mirror reported.

“They were finishing their session and sitting up on their boards,” a witness told the Mirror. “Both men fell off their boards and sank into the water.”

They were rushed to a hospital, but it was determined the men died instantly in the freak accident.

Dasoul retired from professional football in 2011 after playing from clubs such as Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp.

He moved to Australia but was reportedly traveling with his girlfriend when he was killed.

“He was in Bali for holidays with his girlfriend,” friend Pascal Scime told the Mirror. “This is a tragedy.”