A fatal crash on the A8 motorway has claimed the life of 17-year-old Lorenzo Renou, a player in AS Monaco Basket’s National 3 team. Prince Albert II and the club have expressed their deep sorrow following the tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through the Principality’s sporting community.
Prince Albert II has offered his condolences following a devastating road accident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday 11th May, involving members of AS Monaco Basket’s National 3 team. In a statement released by the Prince’s Palace, he said, “I learned with deep sadness of the tragic accident that occurred last night involving the AS Monaco National 3 basketball team. I would like to express, on my own behalf and on behalf of my family, my most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the player who tragically passed away. My thoughts are also with the injured, and I express my full support to them during this ordeal. I share the grief of the entire Monegasque sporting community and offer my support to those affected by this tragedy.”
According to Monaco Matin, the accident took place just after 3am on the A8 motorway near Le Cannet-des-Maures as the team was returning from an away game against Terres Froides. The vehicle, a Renault Trafic minibus, left the road and overturned. Lorenzo Renou died at the scene. A 24-year-old teammate sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Sainte-Anne Hospital in Toulon. Four others, including the coach, two additional players, and the driver, were also injured and transported to hospital in Brignoles.
AS Monaco Basket confirmed the accident in a statement released later that morning: “AS Monaco Basket is deeply saddened to confirm the tragic accident that occurred last night, as its National 3 team was returning from a match played earlier on Saturday. One player lost his life and five others were injured (the coach, three players, and the driver).” The club added, “In these dramatic circumstances, the president and members of the club extend their most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and to his loved ones. They also stand by the injured and the entire team, affected by this event.”
Lorenzo Renou, originally from Gironde, was part of AS Monaco’s youth development programme and attended Lycée Albert Ier in Monaco. He was widely regarded as a talented and kind-hearted young man. A teammate launched an online fundraiser to support his family, which quickly passed €5,000 just hours after going live on Sunday. In the donation comments, one supporter wrote, “He was such a lovely boy, always smiling and kind… we will miss him dearly.”
An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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