28-year-old Japanese sumo wrestler Kiyotaka Suetake who was better known as Shobushi died after contracting coronavirus infection. The young wrestler first developed a fever on April 4 but struggled to get treatment at hospital because of a deluge of similar complaints from other potential patients. After being turned away by a few hospitals, Shobushi was only admitted to hospital on April 8. He had been in intensive care since April 19, but his condition deteriorated, and he passed away on Wednesday. Shobushi made his professional debut in 2007, and reached the No. 11 rank in the Sandanme Division.
Shobushi, who had diabetes died of multiple organ failure, according to the Japan Sumo Association. He is also believed to be the first person in his 20s to die in Japan because of the pandemic. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) confirmed his death. Japan has recorded 15,968 virus cases and 657 deaths. The Sumo Association held its annual March tournament without spectators after the Japanese government requested the cancellation of significant sports events. Earlier this month, the sumo association canceled the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament and changed the venue of its July 2020 tournament. It will now take place at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan behind closed doors.