Soccer Star Dies at 25 While Trying to Help People in Nightclub Fire

The tragic blaze broke out at the Pulse club in Kocani around 2:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, where nearly 500 people had gathered to watch a concert by the popular hip-hop duo DNK.

Witnesses say chaos erupted as the flames spread rapidly, leaving little time for an orderly evacuation. Authorities revealed that the fire started when sparks from pyrotechnic effects ignited the club’s ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material.

Footage from the event shows two flares going off on stage, quickly setting the ceiling ablaze. Some videos capture people desperately trying to extinguish the flames while others remain in the club, unaware of the growing danger.

Panic soon set in as attendees rushed toward the venue’s only functional exit, leading to a deadly stampede. The nightclub, previously a carpet warehouse, was operating without a legal license, according to Interior Minister Pance Toskovski.

Officials reported that the building had only one efficient exit, as its back door was locked and could not be used.

Biljana Arsovska, spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office, noted several other serious safety violations, including a lack of functioning fire-extinguishing systems and an inadequate emergency response plan.

Survivors described horrifying scenes as people fought to escape. Marija Taseva, 20, recalled being caught in the crowd as people scrambled for the exits. “I don’t know how, but somehow I managed to get out,” she told reporters.

“I’m fine now, but there are many dead.” She later confirmed that her 25-year-old sister had died in the fire, saying, “I was saved and she wasn’t.”

Andrej Lazarov, a soccer player for Football Club Shkupi, lost his life while courageously trying to help others flee. In a heartfelt statement, the club described him as a “heroic soul” who risked everything to assist those trapped inside.

“He was overcome by smoke inhalation during his efforts to save lives, demonstrating courage and humanity until his final moments,” the statement read.

While he had only been with Shkupi for six months, the club vowed that his name would forever be remembered as part of their team. “His memory will always be cherished in our hearts,” the club stated.

Lazarov’s passing sent shockwaves through the football community at large, with his former club, HNK Gorica, also honoring his memory with a tribute on Instagram.

“You will forever remain a part of our family,” they captioned a post of the later soccer player. The 25-year-old had signed with the Croatian club in January 2024 before later joining Football Club Shkupi.

His selfless actions in the face of disaster have made him a symbol of courage and heroism, ensuring that his legacy lives on beyond the pitch.

As for the aftermath of the fire, Red Cross volunteer Mustafa Saidov said, “The situation is brutal, chaotic. The stories are very sad, and unfortunately many young lives are lost.”

Emergency responders confirmed that many of the victims suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, with over 20 of the injured and three of the deceased being minors. Some critically wounded victims were transferred to specialist clinics in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for advanced medical care.

The North Macedonian government has since detained 15 individuals linked to the venue’s operations, citing suspicions of bribery and corruption in how the nightclub was allowed to function despite its numerous safety violations.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it one of the deadliest tragedies in the country’s history and declared seven days of national mourning.

North Macedonia’s President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, expressed her deep sorrow, stating that she was shocked “as a mother, as a person, as a president.”

Addressing the bereaved directly, she added, “Your immense pain is mine too.” She also called for stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Marta Kos’, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, also posted a tribute on X, sharing in part, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Kočani North Macedonia, which claimed lives of too many young people.”

Lazarov’s tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the recent losses in the sports world. In the soccer community, Holden Trent, goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union, passed away on the afternoon of October 26, surrounded by loved ones, his family announced in an Instagram post.

Trent’s family shared their deep gratitude for the support they’d received during the difficult time. The heartbreaking news profoundly impacted his teammates and the soccer community as well.

In a separate statement, Philadelphia Union paid tribute to Trent’s contributions to the team. “While he was a wonderful player and fierce competitor, he was more importantly a devoted son, brother, fiancé, and teammate who made those around him better,” the club stated.

The team further honored Trent’s legacy, emphasizing his embodiment of “determination, dedication, and perseverance.” They expressed heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, noting that he would be profoundly missed.

Major League Soccer (MLS) joined in mourning Trent, recognizing him as a “young goalkeeper with a bright future.” He was selected 28th overall by the Philadelphia Union in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, which occurred in December 2022.

MLS praised his daily grit and professionalism within Philadelphia’s goalkeeping unit. The organization confirmed that they are working with the team to provide support and resources to his family and teammates in the difficult days ahead.

More tributes poured in from across the soccer community. High Point University (HPU), where Trent played collegiate soccer, wrote, “Our thoughts are with Holden & his family,” ending with a purple heart emoji.

Trent’s compassion extended beyond the field; he had registered as an organ donor, a decision he proudly shared with his family. Octagon, a prominent sports and entertainment management group, announced the news, which was reshared on his Instagram Story.

According to the statement, the organ donation process was underway, bringing hope to those in need and allowing Trent’s legacy to live on in a powerful way.

“His family finds immense comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue through the lives he is saving,” the statement added. In light of his passing, Octagon encouraged others to honor Trent’s memory by considering organ donation.

In addition to his decision to become an organ donor, Trent was preparing for another milestone — marriage, as he had proposed to his fiancée, Brie Losito.

In December 2023, Trent shared a picture of his engagement to his fiancée on his Instagram page, along with other snaps of notable moments of his life.

Trent’s highlights that year included a photo of him signing autographs on the soccer field and a video of a sportscaster announcing his selection as the Philadelphia Union’s 28th overall pick in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft.

“Hell of a year! Excited for the New Year and new challenges🙏🏻,” Trent wrote. Unfortunately, his recent death brought an unexpected end to his plans.

Following Trent’s passing, his family shared that details about the memorial services, and a celebration of his life would be announced.

Trent’s passing deeply impacted the soccer community. His compassion, evidenced by his choice to be an organ donor and his dedication to the sport, will be forever remembered.