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11/03 08:58 CST Spanish police investigating after soccer player dies following
on-field collision
Spanish police investigating after soccer player dies following on-field
collision
By JOSEPH WILSON and TALES AZZONI
Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) --- Spanish police have opened an investigation into
possible involuntary manslaughter after a soccer player died following an
on-field collision with the opposing team's goalkeeper in a second-division
match.
Tenerife forward Jess de Miguel died after he suffered cardiac arrest
following the on-field collision, his club said Tuesday. He was 30.
De Miguel was challenging for the ball near midfield on Monday when he was
struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jess Owono, who came running from
the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to make a clearance. Owono was
shown a straight red card for the incident, which happened in added time.
The country's National Police said Tuesday that an investigation was opened.
Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are
subject to judicial investigation.
De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was abandoned after
the incident.
The club located on Spain's Canary Islands said it was "heartbroken."
The heavy collision happened when Owono rushed out of his area all the way to
midfield to challenge for a long ball that De Miguel was trying to reach.
De Miguel initially curled on his knees, clutching his torso for a few seconds,
before he fell over onto his back, with his arms falling to his sides.
Owono was walking off the field after being shown the red card but turned
around and joined the other players rushing to check on De Miguel.
The goalkeeper's Instagram account, which had nearly 30,000 followers, had been
deactivated on Tuesday.
De Miguel, a Madrid native, began his senior career with Legans B in 2015 and
subsequently played for a number of lower-division clubs in Spain. He joined
Tenerife last year.
Spanish media said De Miguel is survived by his wife and their daughter.
"There are no words of comfort," the club statement read. "There is absolutely
nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his
devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community."
Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqu, also offered its
condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation and La Liga.
"We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jess de Miguel, to
all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,"
Andorra said in a statement.
Piqu said on X: "I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jess."
The players of Real Madrid held a minute of silence for De Miguel during
training, while fellow topflight club Espanyol postponed the presentation of
its new coach.
Madrid forward Kylian Mbapp said on social media: "So much sadness. There are
no words."
Argentina great Lionel Messi said on Instagram: "There are no words. My
condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends."
English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool joined in offering their
condolences on social media.
The Spanish soccer federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa
de la Reina matches scheduled for later on Tuesday.
Life-threatening injuries from collisions in soccer are extremely rare.
Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered
during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Ral Ramrez
had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance
while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days
later.
In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from head injuries sustained
in a collision during a match while playing for CSKA Moscow.
Malaga goalkeeper Jos Antonio Gallardo died in January 1987, more than three
weeks after a collision with Celta Vigo forward Baltazar in a second-division
game.
___
Azzoni contributed from Madrid.
___
See AP's full soccer coverage here
