Story By: Basant Essam, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

This Egyptian groom – pictured smiling while covered in the blood of the calf he just sacrificed – has died of a heart attack hours before the wedding.

Masoud Abu Khadra, 26, died eight hours before he was due to get married in the village of Abu Homs in El Beheira Governorate, Egypt, late in September.

Local media said Masoud was preparing to go to ‘Henna’, a traditional pre-wedding celebration, with his friends and family.

According to the tradition, before attending ‘Henna’ the groom slaughters a calf which is then cooked and served to the guests.

After slaughtering the animal, Masoud had his picture taken where he is seen smiling while covered in the calf’s blood.

Masoud and his guests then commenced the ‘Henna’ celebration. However, in the middle of the pre-wedding party, he collapsed in front of his friends and family.

The emergency services were called, but the groom died before they arrived at the scene. Doctors confirmed he died of a heart attack.

One of the bride’s sisters, name not reported, said on social media: “Oh, my heartache and my contempt for you, Masoud. They came to rejoice with you. They prayed for you.”

A friend of the groom wrote: “He died and the mourners filled the whole house, but we all belong to God and to him we shall return.”

A similar tragedy took place in El Beheira Governorate in August when two newlyweds died in a car accident.

Just after the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds were being driven home with three family members when the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Both the bride and groom died while the other passengers survived with varying injuries.