Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker, has touched the hearts of a grieving family by sending them a signed national team shirt and a personal handwritten card after their six-year-old son was killed in a hit-and-run.
Family's devastating loss
Two weeks ago, the Skjørestad family from Kvernaland, a short drive from Haaland's hometown of Bryne, lost their son Dennis. The boy was struck by a car in his neighbourhood and later died at Stavanger University Hospital. He was laid to rest on July 2.
In an emotional Instagram post, Dennis's father Thomas Skjørestad thanked friends, family, and workplaces for their support. He also revealed the unexpected gesture from Haaland.
Haaland's heartfelt gesture
Thomas shared a photo of a Norway shirt with the number 9 – Haaland's number – signed by the footballer, along with a card. He wrote: 'And not least our fantastic workplaces... And one of the most unexpected things was when we received a signed national team shirt and a personally written card from Erling Braut Haaland/the Haaland family. It gave us goosebumps we had never felt before, and if Dennis had been here he would have been so proud. You @erling were his idol, so thank you so much.'
The card, reported by Stavanger Aftenblad, read: 'We express our deepest condolences to the Skjørestad family in connection with Dennis’ passing. It is impossible for us as parents and siblings to put ourselves in your situation, but know that we, like many others, feel with you in a difficult time. We have understood that Dennis loved football, therefore a little thing from us.'
Haaland's personal connection
Haaland, who has a son of about 19 months with his long-term girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, both from Bryne, understood the family's pain. The couple met as teenagers at Bryne FK's youth setup and began their relationship around 2021. They have kept their child's name and face private.
