PARIS, France (AFP) — French second division footballer Kenzo Kies of Guingamp has drowned after he and three friends were caught in fast, choppy waters while cooling off in the heatwave engulfing the country.

Firefighters contacted by AFP on Tuesday said they had responded on Monday evening — when temperatures reached as high as 38C — to rescue four young men who were swimming in an area where the river forms waves.

By the time the firemen arrived three of the four had been pulled from the water while Kies was found in the water in a critical condition and taken to hospital.

“Guingamp was saddened to learn of the passing of Kenzo Kies, a young player at the club. Having joined Guingamp last summer, he was playing this season with the reserve team,” Guingamp said, who described Kies as a quiet and well liked teammate.

The club announced the news late Wednesday, extending its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kies, who was 21 and who had previously been at Lyon and Saint Etienne.

The heatwave affecting France has caused “40 deaths” by drowning since June 18.