William Gomis: Former Saint-Etienne player reportedly shot dead in southern France

The 19-year-old is said to have been killed in La Seyne-sur-Mer, a French commune near Toulon

The circumstances surrounding Gomis' death have yet to be confirmed (Saint-Etienne/Twitter)

Former Saint-Etienne player William Gomis has died, the French club have confirmed.

The 19-year-old, who left the Ligue 1 side this summer after five years, was reportedly shot dead in La Seyne-sur-Mer, a French commune near Toulon, though the circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be confirmed.

Police reportedly found 24 Kalashnikov cases at the scene. A 14-year-old boy is also said to have died in the ncident.

“AS Saint-Étienne had the immense sadness to learn of the tragic death of William Gomis, which occurred last night,” read a club statement.

“Appreciated by his former team-mates and educators for his human qualities, the young player, who would have turned 20 in December, did all his training at the club where he had arrived at the age of 15.

“The club’s leaders, coaches, players and employees are deeply affected by William’s sudden death and offer their deepest sympathies to his family.”