Belgrade, December 15 - Haris Brkic, a part-time Yugoslav national player died overnight from injuries he sustained in a shooting earlier this week, Belgrade media reported on Friday.
The 26-year-old Brkic was shot through his cheekbone and under an eye late Tuesday in front of a "Pionir" Hall after leaving a training session with his team, Partizan Belgrade. His assailant fled, police said.
Doctors at the Belgrade emergency hospital said Brkic died after fighting for his life for days. He never regained consciousness.
The motive for the attack was unclear. Belgrade media claimed the assailant shot Brkic after the athlete found him trying to break into his car. Some here, though, believe he was killed by a paid assassin.
Brkic joined Partizan a week ago for his second spell there.
He was one of its leading players from 1993 to 1999 before
joining Yugoslav champions Buducnost Podgorica.
Next weekend's regular round of play in the Yugoslav basketball league was postponed until Jan. 6.
RELATED STORY: Brkic in critical condition (December 13)
