Berlin World Cup official dies after shooting himself

BERLIN, July 13 (Reuters) A top local Berlin World Cup official who shot himself in the head in an apparent suicide attempt right after Sunday's final match died today, a spokeswoman for Berlin's Charite hospital said.

Juergen Kiessling had coordinated the city of Berlin's World Cup activities for many years and was credited with creating the hugely popular fan mile at the Brandenburg Gate where millions of fans watched matches on giant television screens.

Kiessling, a 64-year-old widower, was found by emergency services at his house early on Monday. Local newspapers reported he had left two suicide notes. He had a 15-year-old daughter and adult son.

REUTERS DH BST2041