Liverpool star Cody Gakpo and his partner announce baby son has died during pregnancy

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and his girlfriend Noa van der Bij have announced the loss of their baby son during pregnancy.

Four weeks ago, Gakpo and Van der Bij confirmed they were expecting their second son together after their first child, Samuel Seth, was born in 2018.

In a joint announcement on May 30, Gakpo and Van der Bij said:  ‘Our little family is growing. We can’t wait to meet you.’

But on Saturday, Van der Bij shared the heartbreaking news that she had suffered a miscarriage.

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‘With broken hearts, we share that our little boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for all the support,’ she wrote on Instagram.

‘Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever Loved. Forever our son.’

In a second post, Van der Bij wrote: ‘We went to church together and lit a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. 

‘There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.

‘There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.’

Gakpo also issued an update as his message read: ‘This is an incredibly difficult time for our family.

‘We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding,’

Gakpo is in the United States with the Netherlands national side, who finished top of Group F following a draw with Japan and wins over Sweden and Tunisia.

Four days ago, Gakpo did not get off the Netherlands team bus for training and arrived on his own later by car. The Dutch football association confirmed that the Liverpool forward was not late without permission but did not give a specific reason.

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