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Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team president and general manager Doug Hamilton is pictured in Carson, Calif. in this Wed, Aug 18, 2004 file photo. Hamilton died Thursday, March 9, 2006 after suffering from what appeared to be a heart attack while flying back from the team's CONCACAF Champions Cup match in Costa Rica, a spokesman for the Costa Rican airline said. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) |
Los Angeles Galaxy president and GM dies
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica --Doug Hamilton, president and general manager of the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy, died Thursday after an apparent heart attack while flying back from the team's CONCACAF Champions Cup match in Costa Rica.
A two-time Major League Soccer Executive of the Year, Hamilton died aboard a Lacsa Airlines flight after it left San Jose airport Thursday evening, airline spokeswoman Sofia Valverde said.
"He appeared to have symptoms similar to a heart attack," Valverde said.
One of the Galaxy's team doctors, Howard Liebeskind, tried to resuscitate him as the pilot returned the plane to San Jose, according to Michael Roth, vice president of communications for
Hamilton was returning to the United States after the Galaxy's 3-2 overtime loss to Saprissa of Costa Rica in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal Wednesday. He had turned 43 on Monday, Roth said.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the leaders of American soccer and a truly terrific individual," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "The thoughts and prayers of all of MLS, our teams, our players and our fans are with the Hamilton family. Doug will be dearly missed as his legacy of passion and dedication to the sport will always be remembered."
The Galaxy had planned to remain in Costa Rica for training, but decided to return to Los Angeles on Friday.
Hamilton joined the Galaxy four seasons ago after spending two years as executive vice president and GM of the Miami Fusion.
He previously worked for adidas America for six years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
"The Los Angeles Galaxy and AEG has lost an extremely bright young man and a good friend tonight," AEG president and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke said. "Doug's tireless and valuable efforts have helped to create a legacy for soccer in the United States."
Hamilton is survived by his wife, Paige, and a 5-year-old son.
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AP Sports Writers Beth Harris and John Nadel in Los Angeles contributed to this story.
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