Kodi Gakpo’s partner announces fetal death (Image: Getty Images)
Kodi Gakpo’s partner Noah van der Vij has announced the heartbreaking news that their son Elijah passed away during pregnancy. The Liverpool forward and his girlfriend are expecting their second son and shared the happy news in May. Gakpo is currently playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup, while Van der Vij is in the United States to support the Reds’ attackers.
In May, the couple announced in a touching Instagram post that they were expecting son Samuel in 2024 and their second child is due in October. However, in a series of Instagram Stories posted on Saturday, Ms van der Bij revealed that the couple had suffered a tragic miscarriage.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the shocking news that our baby died during pregnancy,” the statement read.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Rafael Gakpo was forever loved. He will forever be our son.
“We went to church to light candles. Then I walked to the church playground with my son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.”
“There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. God reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”
The exact timing of their son’s death remains unclear, as Mr Gakpo’s partner was regularly active on social media throughout the summer following the end of Liverpool’s season.
She shared a photo to Instagram in early June on a merry-go-round with a drink on her butt before posting more photos from Texas during the World Cup.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago and was transported separately by car.
Gakpo scored twice for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup. (Image: Getty)
At the time, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said he was not late but that there was a valid explanation for it.
After this tragic news came out, Liverpool fans on social media quickly rallied in support of the forward and his partner.
“Our thoughts, love and condolences go out to Kodi Gakpo and his family on the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA,” one account posted.
The post was viewed more than 213,000 times on X (formerly Twitter) and was flooded with messages of empathy and solidarity.
Another user said: “There are no words for this. I’m so sorry to Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective.
“We are with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA.”
Gakpo is looking to maintain his impressive international record under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, having scored twice at the World Cup so far.
