Asian Games 2014: Tragedy strikes as tournament official dies after mysteriously falling ill

The Incheon Asian Games suffered a tragedy on Friday as an event official died in hospital after being taken ill, organisers said.

The unnamed South Korean athletics road racing referee complained of feeling unwell at his hotel on Thursday and was rushed to hospital, where he died in the early hours of Friday, Asiad spokesman Yoo Jae-Han told reporters.

He said the man, believed to be aged 59, showed no signs of illness during a preparatory session for the competition, which begins on Saturday.

"We are very sorry for his family and we will do our best to support them," Yoo said, adding that the exact cause of death was still unclear.