Football: Pyunik FC forward commits suicide

Young and promising soccer player Sargis Aroyan, who made several international appearances for Armenia has died in what early police reports say was an apparent suicide.

Sargis Aroyan, 18, a reserve Pyunik FC forward, plunged to his death from a high bridge in downtown Yerevan Monday evening. Police say it is yet unclear what would have made the promising player take that step.

Aroyan was in active military service in the past sixth month. He said the club was shocked and disturbed by the sad news, but added they did not possess any additional information that could throw light on the circumstances of the player’s death.

Aroyan played at junior level for the national team of Armenia in the past several years. In particular, he scored a memorable hat-trick for Armenia against Bulgaria in 2006.

Some reports in the media have said Armenia’s U-21 team are likely to wear black ribbons when they play a Euro-2011 qualifier against Turkey in Yerevan tonight.