A catcher of the Busan Lotte Giants has died after spending nearly a decade in a coma. Lim Soo-hyuk was 41 at the time of his death Sunday.

His family said Lim entered into a vegetative state after collapsing in a game against the Seoul LG Twins on April 18th, 2000. The player did not receive emergency treatment immediately after his collapse, something which probably worsened his condition.

The deceased's father said Lim was healthy but was hospitalized two days ago after suddenly running a high fever.

The fever and breathing difficulty led to his death.

The catcher attended Seoul High School and Korea University. He joined the Giants in 1994 and batted .250 in 29 regular-season games as a rookie. The following season, he hit .247 with 15 homers.

From 1996, he finished fifth in batting average with .311 and third in RBIs with 76, along with belting 11 homers.