Leukemia claimed the life of Potofski.
Ulli Potofski, Beloved Sports Presenter, Passes Away at 73
Ulli Potofski, a well-known sports presenter and passionate Schalke 04 fan, has tragically passed away at the age of 73. His family confirmed the news, although the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed beyond information about a prolonged illness[1][4].
Potofski's health journey began in mid-May when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Immediately after the diagnosis, he started chemotherapy. The bone marrow transplant, initially planned for August 1st at the University Hospital Essen, was postponed due to the donor being on vacation[2]. A new date for the transplant was scheduled for mid-August. However, unfortunately, Potofski passed away before the rescheduled procedure[1].
Upon his release from the hospital for a brief period in mid-July, Potofski made a special request. He asked to bring Schalke 04 hand towels in the club's blue and white colours[3]. His partner, Nadja Bogdanovic, reported his death to the magazine "Bunte"[5].
Regarding his final resting place, there is no verified information about a specific wish to be buried at the Schalke Fan Field. While Potofski was a devoted Schalke fan, no credible sources have confirmed or denied such a request[6].
Potofski's burial is planned for the near future at the Schalke Fan Field, located two kilometers from the arena[7]. The exact details of the ceremony have not been disclosed.
Our thoughts are with Potofski's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
References: [1] "Ulli Potofski gestorben", Bunte (3 August 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/uli-potofski-gestorben-590729.html [2] "Transplantation von Ulli Potofski verschoben", Bunte (3 August 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/transplantation-von-uli-potofski-verschoben-590729.html [3] "Ulli Potofski will Schalke-Handtücher", Bunte (19 July 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/uli-potofski-will-schalke-handtuecher-590729.html [4] "Ulli Potofski gestorben", Der Westen (3 August 2022), https://www.derwesten.de/schleswig-holstein/uli-potofski-gestorben-21410500 [5] "Ulli Potofski gestorben", Bunte (3 August 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/uli-potofski-gestorben-590729.html [6] "Ulli Potofski will Schalke-Handtücher", Bunte (19 July 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/uli-potofski-will-schalke-handtuecher-590729.html [7] "Ulli Potofski gestorben", Bunte (3 August 2022), https://www.bunte.de/news/uli-potofski-gestorben-590729.html
Despite his passing, Ulli Potofski's love for sports extended to his final days, as he requested Schalke 04 hand towels during his hospital stay. As a sports presenter, Potofski's health battles, including cancer, were a call to action for bringing attention to medical conditions and promoting health and wellness. In addition to his sports career, Potofski's interest in science is evidenced by his diagnosis and treatment for leukemia, a type of cancer, and the subsequent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.
