Female Judo champion Kim Akker killed in Airbnb explosion in Mexico aged just 22
A DUTCH judo champion died after her Airbnb house in Mexico exploded.
Kim Akker, 22, was staying at the Playa del Carmen resort on the eastern coast when there was a gas leak.
According to reports, flaws in the gas tank at the property led to the leak and therefore the explosion.
It is understood the house went up in flames and she suffered second and third-degree burns across her body.
Akker was taken to hospital where the injuries were treated and spent some hours in a coma.
She died three days later in hospital and Mexican prosecutors have now launched an investigation into the incident.
Incredibly, others inside the house suffered scratches and minor injuries but did not require further medical treatment.
State prosecutors said in a statement: “A close relative told the authorities that the young athlete with the initials K.A.A had been on a recreational trip in the municipality of Solidaridad since March 13.”
The board, employees, staff and members of the national squad wish the parents, family and friends of Kim lots of strength with this unbearable loss.
Dutch Judo Association
The 22-year-old’s family have reportedly identified and claimed her body.
The International Judo Federation wrote that judo world was “mourning the loss of former Dutch champion Kim Akker”.
Akker was the Dutch lightweight under-48kg champion in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and won the European Open in Glasgow in 2016. She is said to have retired in 2018 due to injuries.
In a statement, the Dutch Judo Association confirmed that they have “received the sad message that Kim Akker has died in her place of residence in Playa del Carmen in Mexico”.
The message read: “Akker, only 22 years old, died [on] Sunday from the consequences of a gas explosion which happened on Friday morning in her house.
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“Akker, who hailed from [the Dutch city of] Den Helder, was a three-time Dutch champion and represented the Netherlands at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht and at the European Championship for juniors.
“From September 2016 until the spring of 2018, Akker was part of the national squad which trained full time at Papendal [location of the Dutch Olympic Training Centre]. Persistent physical discomfort forced the lightweight to quit professional sports. After her farewell from professional sports, Akker left to work in Mexico.
“The board, employees, staff and members of the national squad wish the parents, family and friends of Kim lots of strength with this unbearable loss. Kim will be cremated in Playa del Carmen after which her parents will return to the Netherlands with her ashes.”