Grant Wahl Says Bronchitis Cough Sounded Like ‘Death Rattle’ Day Before He Died

World Cup reporter Grant Wahl’s fatal collapse during a match Friday is a tragic end to a long, arduous week of illness — something he openly discussed the day before his death.

Grant recorded and posted his “Fútbol with Grant Wahl” podcast on Thursday, and said he’d come down with a case of bronchitis so bad … he’d “been to the medical clinic at the media center twice now, including today.”

Grant added he was feeling better, but was far from 100% … which he said listeners could probably hear in his voice.

As we reported, the veteran sports journalist collapsed Friday — while covering the Argentina-Netherlands match — and after CPR attempts at Lusail Stadium, he was Ubered to a hospital, but died. CBS News is reporting it was a heart attack.

Grant’s brother, Eric, announced his death with a video — in which he was understandably distraught — and flat out said he believed there was foul play involved.

He said Grant had been getting death threats in Qatar after stadium security had detained him back in November … when he wore a rainbow-themed T-shirt in support of LGBTQ+ rights. His detainment became a big story, as Qatar had threatened to shut down any LGBTQ+ protests during the tournament.

Grant’s death shocked the sports world, well beyond the World Cup — he’d covered huge athletes for Sports Illustrated during his career, including then-high school phenom LeBron James‘ famous SI cover story.

Friday night, LeBron remembered Grant fondly, saying … “It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was. I wish his family the best and may he rest in paradise.”

Grant was just 49.