Spanish second division side CD Tenerife announced the death of 30-year-on-field striker Jesús de Miguel, who passed away following a severe on-field collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The devastating incident unfolded during a league fixture held at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.
Key facts from the tragic event include the exact date of the player's passing on Tuesday, November 3, the abandonment of the 2-2 draw in the 108th minute, and the subsequent hospitalisation at the University Hospital of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria where he succumbed to his injuries.
What led to the fatal collision on the pitch?
The unfortunate accident took place near the end of the encounter when De Miguel chased a loose ball. Owono, the opposing goalkeeper, rushed out of his area to clear the danger, resulting in a heavy impact that left the Tenerife forward unconscious on the grass.
Immediate medical assistance was deployed to the scene, where the player received prolonged treatment before being stretchered off. The match referee issued a red card to Owono for the challenge before the fixture was ultimately halted.
How did the club and football community react?
Reports indicated that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest following the impact and was initially revived in an ambulance. Although medical staff stabilized him temporarily, his condition worsened overnight.
Confirming the sad news, CD Tenerife released a heartfelt statement expressing profound grief and solidarity with the grieving family, teammates, and supporters. Tributes equally poured in from various sporting institutions across Spain, including football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as the wider football fraternity mourned the loss.