- Pavle Kostić, better known as Yoppa, passed away last Tuesday
- The 23-year-old League pro suffered COVID-19 complications
- Many former teammates and League of Legends professionals have expressed their condolences
Pavle “Yoppa” Kostić, former Schalke 04 top laner, dies aged 23 due to COVID-19 complications last Tuesday.
A Young Star Passes Away
Unfortunately, Schalke 04’s former top laner Pavle Kostić, a.k.a. Yoppa, died last Tuesday due to COVID-19 complications at the age of just 23. The Serbian player has played in popular teams such as MAD Lions, Giants Gaming, and Vitality over his career that started in 2016. His passing was announced on Twitter by The Esports Balkan League.
Former team members, coaches, and organizations Yoppa was involved with have expressed their condolences. Fabien “Neo” Devide, Team Vitality’s owner, said “My heart is broken. My deepest condolences to his loved ones in this painful ordeal. We will miss you.” The team made a memorial post, recalling their cherished memories with the player before his passing. “We have wonderful memories of you and our time spent with you in Berlin. You will remain forever engraved in our memories.”
Yoppa’s Legacy
The Serbian pro player competed in the rosters of many teams during his five-year-long career. He competed in the strong region of Spain, becoming the first Serbian player to reach such top spots on the Challenger rang lists in the EUW server, according to sportklub. His achievement attracted the attention of overseas teams, such as Team Solomid.
Yoppa joined Schalke 04 Evolution in December last year, and this became the last team he ever played for. He passed away just days after he announced he is becoming a free player and was now looking forward to new opportunities for 2022.
Many European players have come together to express their condolences to Yoppa’s family and friends. This included former coaches and teammates. Selfmade, who competed alongside the Serbian player when they were both in the Spanish league, shared his thought of having much fun back in the LVPs.
Former fellow toplaner Sergen “Broken Blade” Celik with whom Yoppa played when he was part of Schalke, also expressed his feelings about the sad news.
It is unknown exactly what kind of complications the Serbian player suffered from. It is not likely that the reason for his tragic early death will be announced soon as the family and friends are still expressing their grief.
