A 20-year-old Swedish goalkeeper has been fatally shot in the city of Orebro, leaving his club and family devastated.
Hugo Mosshagen, who played for fourth-tier side BK Forward in the Div 2 Norra Gotaland, was killed late on Saturday evening.
Emergency services received reports of gunfire in a residential district to the west of the city shortly before midnight.
The young footballer was rushed to hospital but medical staff were unable to save his life.
Hugo Mosshagen was killed late on Saturday night
|GETTY
His death has sent shockwaves through Swedish football, with tributes pouring in for the promising keeper who harboured ambitions of a professional career.
Authorities have confirmed that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the killing.
According to Swedish outlet Expressen, police investigators have established that Mosshagen possessed no criminal record whatsoever.
Officers have also determined that the goalkeeper had no known links to gang activity or organised crime networks.
This absence of any criminal associations has prompted speculation that the young sportsman may have been the victim of mistaken identity.
The young goalkeeper's death has sent shockwaves through Sweden
|The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting in the quiet residential neighbourhood.
Mosshagen was the eldest of three children and was known for his involvement with his local church community.
The young goalkeeper's father, Joakim Gunnarsson, has spoken of his son's unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.
"His big dream was to become a professional footballer. He put all his time into it and this year was going to be his year," he told Swedish newspaper Expressen.
Gunnarsson described the profound emotional turmoil of losing his child in such circumstances.
"It's an emptiness. One second you're really angry and the next you're sad because you've lost one of your children in a completely unnecessary way. A completely meaningless way," he said.
The grieving father added that his son "saw everyone and talked to everyone and wanted to help as best he could."
BK Forward released a poignant tribute on their official Instagram account, describing Mosshagen as "a very nice and talented goalkeeper, a valued teammate and friend."
The club spoke of the "senseless violence" behind his death, with teammates gathering at a memorial where his goalkeeper shirt and gloves were displayed alongside candles and flowers.
Hundreds of mourners assembled at the City Church to pay their respects, reflecting the significant role faith played in the young man's life.
His mother, Marie Mosshagen, found solace in her beliefs, saying: "We feel that he is with God. We know that he is doing well up there."
Team captain Josef Ibrahim pledged that the squad would remain united, declaring: "For the sake of Hugo and his family we will be there for each other and spread love."