Former France star player Jean-Pierre Adams has been reported he died after 39 years in a coma. The player, who is 73 years old, has been in a coma for the past 37 years. Adams was admitted to the hospital for knee surgery in March 1982 but never regained consciousness after an error with his supply of anaesthetic.
The Senegalese born France star who is a defender made more than 140 appearances for Nice and played for Paris St-Germain. Through a statement, French Ligue giant Paris Saint-Germain said Adams’ “joie de vivre, charisma and experience commanded respect”.
Nice also speaking about Jean-Pierre Adams, said they would pay tribute to Adams, who won 22 caps for France between 1972-1976 before their next home game against Monaco on 19 September. Adams also made 84 appearances for Nimes.
Nimes also sent their tribute, saying they sent their “most sincere condolences to his loved ones and his family”. On the day of Adams’ operation to repair a damaged tendon in his knee suffered while on a coaching training camp, many staff at the hospital in Lyon were on strike.
His operation, however, was conducted with the anaesthetist looking after eight patients, including Adams, at the same time. Adams was supervised by a trainee, who later said: “I was not up to the task I was entrusted with.” Numerous errors were made between the anaesthetist and trainee, causing Adams to suffer cardiac arrest and brain damage.
It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that the anaesthetist and trainee were punished. They were given a one-month suspended sentence and a 750 euro fine. Adams got discharged from the hospital after 15 months and was cared for at home in Nimes by his wife, Bernadette, ever since before his death.