Police investigate footballer’s death in Spain

Spanish police are looking into the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. He died in the hospital on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match.

De Miguel, 30, collapsed on the field after hitting FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second-division game on Monday.

The incident happened during stoppage time. Owono rushed out of his area to clear the ball but hit De Miguel in the chest.

Medical personnel treated De Miguel on the pitch before taking him to the hospital. The match was called off and Owono was sent off.

Initially, Tenerife said De Miguel was “stable, despite the severity of his condition.” Later, they reported that his neurological condition worsened and he died early on Tuesday.

The Independent reported that Spain’s National Police stated prosecutors would be involved in the investigation.

Authorities in the Canary Islands said this was a standard procedure. Spanish law requires a judicial inquiry whenever a death is considered non-natural.

In a statement, Tenerife said, “Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. There are no words of comfort. There is absolutely nothing that can ease this overwhelming sense of sadness.”

Owono, who plays for Equatorial Guinea, has shut down his Instagram account since the incident.

FC Andorra also shared their condolences. They said, “With broken hearts, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Several Spanish clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, paid tribute to De Miguel. English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool also shared their condolences on social media.

The world players’ union, FIFPRO, also expressed sadness. They posted, “FIFPRO is deeply saddened by the passing of CD Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel. Our thoughts are with Jesus’ family, friends, teammates, everyone at CD Tenerife, and all those affected. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

La Liga president Javier Tebas said he was shocked by De Miguel’s death. He mentioned that the league would support Tenerife and De Miguel’s family.

He also talked about possibly postponing the club’s next match and organizing a joint tribute with the Segunda Division.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said, “We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. We have searched for words and found only silence. In that silence, our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his teammates, everyone at Tenerife, and all those who mourn this tragic loss.”

UEFA announced that there would be a moment of silence in his memory at matches this week.

The Spanish Football Federation also postponed the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for Tuesday.

Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries during a fifth-division match.

Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez suffered two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the pitch and another in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

Two days later, he was declared brain dead.

In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from head injuries sustained in a match while playing for CSKA Moscow.