A terrible tragedy struck the Cameroonian sports community on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Douala. At the esplanade of the Stade de la Réunification, a young athlete just 7 years old lost his life in tragic circumstances while preparing to compete in a skating event.
The victim, Norlan Kamdem, was a member of the New Star club in Japoma. At just 7 years old, he had already made a name for himself as the regional champion of Littoral in the chick category, inspiring admiration and hope among his family and the local sports movement. Passionate and determined despite his young age, he represented the future of roller skating in the region.
According to initial reports, the child was violently struck by a driving school vehicle while he was on the esplanade of the stadium, the designated location for the official launch of the sports season. The impact was so severe that it left him with no chance. He reportedly died on the spot, even before help arrived. His body was later transferred to the morgue of the Deido district hospital, where deep emotions surfaced among relatives and members of the sports community who came to pay their respects.
The tragedy occurred just as officials from the Cameroonian Federation of Roller Skating and related disciplines were wrapping up their ordinary general assembly. This meeting was meant to precede the kickoff of activities marking the official opening of the new sports season. Alerted to the accident, the federation leaders immediately rushed to the scene to assess the situation and offer their support to the grieving family and club members.
The driver of the vehicle involved was apprehended shortly after the incident. He was taken to the Bepanda police station to be questioned as part of the investigation launched to determine the exact circumstances of the accident and establish responsibility. The relevant authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing.
This tragedy has plunged the local sports movement into deep sadness. Numerous expressions of compassion are pouring in for the family of the young champion and his club. Beyond the grief, this event also raises concerns about safety during sporting events, especially when they take place in open spaces accessible to traffic.
