An Ajax footballer’s girlfriend was killed by a ‘hit-and-run driver’ while out jogging.
Mark Verkuijl, 19, paid tribute to his partner Elisa before a match yesterday (22 Dec).
He plays for the Dutch giant’s reserve team.
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Elisa, 21, was allegedly hit by a car while jogging on a road between the towns of Ede and Veenendaal in central Netherlands last Thursday (18 Dec).
She later died of her injuries in hospital.
The driver, a 54-year-old woman, allegedly fled the scene after hitting Elisa with her vehicle.
The police tracked her down at her home later that evening and apprehended her.
Mark, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, joined his teammates before kick off to pay tribute to Elisa yesterday.
The Jong Ajax side held a minute’s silence in her honour and wore black armbands during their home match with RKC Waalwijk.
Jong Ajax, also referred to as Ajax II, lost the match 0-2, as reported by Need To Know.
The team currently sits 20th in the Eerste Divisie, the second-highest tier of Dutch football.
News of Elisa’s untimely passing hit the squad hard and they were unable to train in the days afterwards.
The club allowed the players some time to process the tragedy.
Ajax staff and players, including Director of Football Affairs Marijn Beuker, visited the youth midfielder to offer their condolences.
Mark and Elisa were making plans to buy a house together prior to her passing.
The investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing.
This season, Mark has made 10 appearances for Jong Ajax, scoring one goal.
He has yet to make his senior debut for the Amsterdam club.
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