Published: July 14, 2025
MONROVIA — The mother of 18-year-old striker Gabrielle Lines is blaming Republic FC for the death of her daughter, who died Saturday under circumstances she claims point to negligence and improper medical treatment by the club.
Barbara Lines, speaking in a tearful phone interview with The Liberian Investigator, alleged that a Republic FC medic — reportedly not a licensed nurse or physician — administered intravenous fluids to Gabrielle after she fell ill in camp.
“My daughter never died at JFK. My daughter died before they took her there,” Lines said. “The medic, not an RN or physician, gave her a drip. I don’t know what kind of drip. They wanted her to play, so they put her in cold water.”
Lines said her daughter had no known health issues and left their home in Margibi County on Sunday, July 6, to join Republic FC in full health.
“She never suffered from any disease,” she said. “She left from this house last Sunday. Today makes it one week. We talked Saturday morning around 8:30 or 9. She was talking very actively.”
A video posted on social media reportedly shows Gabrielle visibly trembling while in a barrel of cold water — a scene her mother believes contributed to her death.
The family plans to remove Gabrielle’s remains from JFK Medical Center on Monday and transfer them to Green Pasture Funeral Home in Harbel, Margibi County.
Allegations of Negligence, Poor Conditions
Dr. Syrulwa Somah, founder of Hippo FC — Gabrielle’s first club — also raised alarms about her treatment. He alleged that Republic FC players sleep on bare floors and receive inadequate care at the club’s camp.
“She was fearless and very competitive. She just wanted to score,” said Somah, who first recruited Gabrielle at age 8. “This guy came with promises and took her to Monrovia. I want the Liberia Football Association and the government to investigate.”
Somah further claimed that Gabrielle’s success as Republic FC’s top scorer had sparked tension within the squad, which, he believes, may have contributed to how she was treated.
Rising Star Silenced
Gabrielle was preparing to help Republic FC compete in the Women’s Lower League playoff for promotion to the LFA Women’s First Division. She was also a key member of the Liberia U-20 women’s national team that finished third in the 2024 WAFU tournament in Senegal.
In the 2024 season, Gabrielle was the second-highest scorer in the LFA Women’s Lower League, netting 20 goals at just 17 years old. She joined Republic FC after Hippo FC was unable to participate this season, opting to stay active in pursuit of her football dreams.
Republic FC has not issued a formal statement. Club President Essiaka L. Kromah did not respond to multiple calls and messages seeking comment.
Calls for Accountability
Gabrielle’s death is the second football-related fatality this year involving a young Liberian athlete. In January, 17-year-old Amara Kamara died en route to Ghana for treatment after sustaining a spinal injury while playing for Blackman Warriors FC.
Football officials and clubs have begun expressing condolences, calling for answers and change.
“On behalf of Shaita Angels FC, I extend our deepest condolences to Republic FC,” said Shaita Angels President Benita Urey. “Losing a player is never easy. Sending love and prayers to the entire Republic FC family.”
Determine Girls FC wrote: “This is the saddest news to wake up to. A young, energetic kid full of talent. She was just 18, starting her football career.”
Senior Female Professional FC also offered sympathies: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Republic FC as they mourn the loss of their beloved forward, the late Gabrielle Lines. May you find strength and comfort during this time of bereavement.”
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