New Zealand goalkeeper killed in Christchurch terror attack
One of the victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting has been identified as New Zealand futsal international Atta Elayyan.
Elayyan, 33, was goalkeeper for the national futsal side, as well as Canterbury men’s side, and represented his country 19 times.
The Palestinian man, born in Kuwait, had recently become a father.
New Zealand football paid tribute to Elayyan on Sunday.
“Elayyan was praying at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park when he was shot,” a statement said.
“He has been confirmed by his family to be in the 50 people killed in Christchurch.”
VALE | @NZ_Football and @MainlandFooty mourn the passing of #FustalWhites rep @attaelayyan in the #ChristchurchMosqueShootings https://t.co/QIKN8Jrj60 #RIPAtta pic.twitter.com/xbuuAo0riU
— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) March 17, 2019
New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andrew Pragnell said it was a sad day for all of New Zealand.
“It is still hard to comprehend what happened in Christchurch on Friday afternoon,” Pragnell said.
“On behalf of everyone at New Zealand Football our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has been affected by these heinous acts of violence.
“My heart goes out to the futsal community.
“They are a very tight-knit group and this news of Atta’s death will be devastating for all involved in the game. We feel their pain and their grief.”
New Zealand Futsal Development Manager Josh Margetts, a teammate of Elayyan in the Futsal Whites, was devastated.
“Atta was a great man and well-liked by everyone in the Futsal Whites squad and the futsal community,” said Margetts.
“There are no words to sum up how we are all feeling.
“There is huge hole in our hearts as we come to terms with the loss of a great person and a good mate. He will be sorely missed.
“To Atta’s family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We can’t imagine what you are going through, but please know we love you and we are here for you during this incredibly difficult time.”
“The New Dad” | Atta Elayyan, 33, just became a father.
He would rush home every day, after work, to be with his new baby son. He was a national fusbol player and a beloved figure in the tech community.
His Friday prayer at #Christchurch would be his last. 1/49 pic.twitter.com/lpbFeNIi4O
— Khaled Beydoun (@KhaledBeydoun) March 16, 2019
Shattered to hear of the passing of my futsal friend and talented futsal NZ national team goalkeeper Atta Elayyan from yesterday’s horrific attack! Rip young Man
— Peter Spathis (@pspathis1) March 16, 2019
Need more time to collect thoughts. But the passing of @attaelayyan in the #ChristchurchTerrorAttack has been confirmed – We belong to God and to God we shall return انا لله و انا اليه راجعون. Please remember him and all the other victims and their families in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/dEkd42oOXr
— Hady Osman (@hadynz) March 16, 2019
Peter, my deep condolences to you, Atta Elayyan’s family and friends.
— Francis Awaritefe (@FrancisAwartefe) March 16, 2019
CHRISTCHURCH SHOOTING: We have spoken to a close friend of Atta Elayyan, the NZ futsal player killed in the terror attack. His father was also shot but survived. The popular businessman leaves behind his wife and 2yo daughter #7NEWS #notjustanumber pic.twitter.com/A8iR7XDf5q
— Teegan Dolling (@tdolling) March 17, 2019
My Heart is broken, a role model to myself and so many in the futsal community, a loving KIWI father, husband, friend and futsal player. You won’t ever meet a more down to earth, humbling person. May you Rest In Peace my friend @attaelayyan 🙏🏻❤️ #ChristchurchTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/r631Ly0iPz
— Kyle Wisnewski (@wiswaskins) March 16, 2019
New Zealand National Futsal Goalkeeper Atta Elayyan, victim of the shooting, has passed away!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Atta, his family and friends. RIP Atta Elayyan!!#ff #rip #futsal #futsalfocus #newzealandfutsal #newzealand @nzffutsal pic.twitter.com/3BUTOL6O1G
— Futsal Focus (@Futsal_Focus) March 16, 2019
