Doctor Celine Gounder, wife of the late American football journalist Grant Wahl, shared two letters she received from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
It has been over a month since Wahl died while covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar – with the journalist collapsing in extra time of the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
President Biden’s letter reflected the personal tragedy he experienced in losing his first wife, Neilia Hunter Biden
The wife of American sports journalist Grant Wahl received letters from the White House
“I know what it means to lose a spouse – your rock, your inspiration, your be-all and end-all. I hope you find comfort in knowing that the love you had for Grant and the love he had for you will endure. He is always with you.
“Grant will always be remembered as a journalist who was brave enough to hold up a mirror to the sports industry so his readers could see the good, the bad and the real.
“He sought the truth as best he could and always stood up for what was right. He treated people with decency, dignity and respect.
“He took care of everyone and left no one behind. And he welcomed everyone to his dining table. Grant was a good man with a big heart and I know that through you his memory will live on, all the lives he touched and all the good he brought to the world.
“Celine, it may take many seasons, but I promise there will come a day when the memory of Grant will bring a smile to your face before it brings a tear to your eye. I pray for you that that day comes sooner rather than later.’
President Biden wrote, “I promise you, the day will come when the memory of Grant will bring a smile to your face before it brings a tear to your eye.”
Biden met his first wife, Neilia Hunter, while they were both studying in the Bahamas for spring break. Neilia was born in the village of Skaneateles, New York, which is about 30 minutes southwest of the city of Syracuse.
She graduated from Syracuse University — where Biden recently moved to study at the SU College of Law — and was a teacher at the Syracuse City School District.
After Joe was elected Senator from Delaware in December 1972, Neilia and the Bidens’ youngest daughter, Naomi, died in a car accident. The wreck also left the Biden’s two sons, Beau and Hunter, injured and in hospital – where they both recovered.
President Biden has also lost a spouse, his first wife Neilia died in a car accident in 1972
Vice President Kamala Harris sent Dr. Gounder also wrote a letter reflecting on Grant’s “profound and unique contribution to football journalism and the world of sport”.
“The outpouring of sorrow and compassion over the past few days, both from across our country and around the world, shows what you knew: Grant was incredible.
“I am especially grateful that he has used his platform to elevate the stories of those too often left out and left behind.
“Grant’s cheerful spirit and compassionate heart were gifts to all whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on through you and the countless people he has inspired.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also wrote a letter to Dr. Celine Gounder
Wahl – an accomplished sportswriter for over 25 years – was in Qatar covering his eighth men’s World Cup and twelfth overall World Cup.
During the game, Wahl suddenly collapsed in his seat in the press box at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar.
Paramedics at the scene treated him for about half an hour before he was taken to Hamad General Hospital in Doha, where he was pronounced dead on December 10.
An autopsy by New York’s Medical Examiner’s Office found the cause of death to be a ruptured aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium, Gounder wrote in a blog post.
Gounder and Wahl met while they were both studying at Princeton University
Earlier this week, Wahl had visited a medical clinic complaining of chest pains. He was given cough syrup and antibiotics, believing he had bronchitis.
Gounder, a leading epidemiologist and professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, refuted claims that Wahl’s death had suspicious motives or was in any way related to the coronavirus.
“No amount of CPR or shock would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing shameful about his death,” she wrote.
Immediately following news of Wahl’s death, his brother Eric said Grant received death threats after he was arrested for wearing a T-shirt supporting the LGBTQ+ community at a game. Eric said he believed Grant was killed, a statement he later recanted.
Gounder and Wahl met while they were both studying at Princeton University. They married in 2001.
White House condolence letter to Celine Gounder
President Joe Biden
December 30, 2022
Dear Celine,
Jill and I will keep you in our hearts as you continue to mourn the loss of your husband, Grant. You and your loved ones are in our prayers at this difficult time.
I know what it means to lose a spouse – your rock, your inspiration, your be-all and end-all. I hope you find comfort in knowing that the love you had for Grant and the love he had for you will endure. He is always with you.
Grant will always be remembered as a journalist brave enough to hold up a mirror to the sports industry so his readers could see the good, the bad, and the real. He sought the truth as best he could and always stood up for what was right. He treated people with decency, dignity and respect. He took care of everyone and left no one behind. And he welcomed everyone to his dining table. Grant was a good man with a big heart and I know that through you his memory will live on, all the lives he touched and all the good he brought to the world.
Celine, it may take many seasons, but I promise the day will come when the memory of Grant will bring a smile to your face before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you is that that day will come sooner rather than later.
with sympathy,
Joe Biden
Vice President Kamala Harris
December 19, 2022
Dear Doctor. gounder
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, Grant. It was with great dismay that I learned the news of his death.
The outpouring of sorrow and condolences from both our country and around the world over the past few days shows what you knew: Grant was incredible. As a journalist, he approached his work with wit, courage, rare kindness and generosity. He made a profound and unique contribution to football journalism and the world of sport. I’m especially grateful that he used his platform to uplift the stories of those too often left out and left behind.
I was grateful to speak with you and as I said, I know he was proud of your dedication to the ministry. Grant’s cheerful spirit and compassionate heart were gifts to all whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on through you and the countless people he has inspired.
May the joy and love you shared carry you through this time. Doug and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
sincerely,
Kamala Harris