Atlanta soccer community reacts to sudden death of American journalist Grant Wahl in Qatar

ATLANTA - The soccer industry is stunned over the sudden death of journalist Grant Wahl, who died while covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

Wahl's death was confirmed by U.S. Soccer's social media pages Friday.

The cause of Wahl's death had not been announced as of Friday night.

At home, Atlanta United released a somber statement in response to Wahl's death.

Wahl intimately covered Atlanta United's inaugural season, leading up to the opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. 

One year later, Atlanta United won MLS Cup. 

Former Atlanta Untied defender, who was captain of the 2018 MLS Cup championship team, shared his shock. 

Atlanta United broadcaster Jason Longshore shared a 2020 tweet from Wahl remarking on appear on respective podcasts.

U.S. media near Wahl during the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands said he fell back in his seat in the media tribune at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, the reporters said, and the reporters later were told that Wahl had died.

On Monday, Wahl wrote on his website that he had visited a medical clinic in Qatar.

Wahl's career included more than 20 years with Sports Illustrated. Wahl also worked from 2012 to 2019 for FOX Sports. He was 48 years old.

FOX Sports contributed to this report.