Julia Ituma, 18, was found dead after falling from the window of her hotel room in Istanbul, where she was staying with her team after a volleyball Champions League semi-final match.

Volleyball player Yulia Ituma fell from the window of her hotel room

According to Sky Sport, Igor Gorgonzola’s Italian side Novara contested and lost the Champions League semi-final second leg against Turkish side Ekzachibashi the day before, with Ituma picking up two points.

“Ihor Volley reports with deep pain and excitement the untimely death of Italian volleyball player Julia Ituma. The tragedy happened this morning, and the dynamics of the incident are being investigated by the Turkish police.

Ihor Volley wants to express his condolences and support for the pain of Yulia’s family and friends. The club and all its members, with a broken heart, will remain silent until the results of this investigation,” announced the club of Igor Gorgonzola Novara.

Iulia Ituma spent her first season with the Novara team after leaving Club Italia. Born in Milan to a Nigerian family, the 1.92cm player was considered one of the most promising volleyball players after winning the European Women’s Under-19 Championship.