The forensic medicine institute has confirmed that CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died from an “accidental thoracic trauma” following a collision during a second-division match against FC Andorra, as reported by T-Online. The 30-year-old player, who collapsed in the 97th minute of the match on Monday, passed away in the hospital on Tuesday morning.
The collision occurred when FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for the ball, resulting in a severe impact to de Miguel’s chest. Following the collision, de Miguel remained motionless on the pitch. While medical personnel initially stabilized him after he suffered a cardiac arrest, his condition deteriorated, and he was pronounced dead at the Hospital Universitario de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities Investigate Medical Response After Jesús De Miguel Death
Although the cause of death has been identified as an accidental thoracic trauma, judicial authorities have initiated an investigation into the death of Jesús de Miguel. The inquiry is expected to review the medical response at the stadium, specifically examining why an ambulance equipped for on-field treatment did not enter the pitch during the emergency. Despite the investigation, Chief Prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui stated that criminal consequences for goalkeeper Jesús Owono remain “very unlikely,” according to T-Online.
The preliminary autopsy report, which was delivered to Eva Esther Juárez Fernández on Wednesday, is considered a cause compatible with death. Further investigations, including toxicology tests, are still pending.
Memorials and Public Response
The funeral for de Miguel took place on Thursday in his hometown of Navahermosa, located in the province of Toledo. Hundreds of mourners, including representatives from across Spanish football, attended the service at the parish of San Miguel Arcángel. Among those present at the funeral were Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, and various officials from the Spanish Football Federation.
In a statement regarding the loss, Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán described the event as an “irreplaceable loss” and emphasized the need to improve emergency medical protocols in stadiums. National coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his condolences to the family, noting that the gathering served to show that the football community remains united in grief.
Statements from the Involved Parties
Jesús Owono, the goalkeeper involved in the collision, issued a statement on Thursday describing the incident as the “hardest days of my life.” Owono noted that he finds it difficult to comprehend the events of that night and that his thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of de Miguel.
The family of the deceased, represented by Manuel Hernández, thanked the public for the outpouring of support and requested privacy during their mourning period. CD Tenerife has declared six days of club mourning and has suspended all activities for its men’s, women’s, and youth teams until the end of the week. The club has also invited fans to a memorial ceremony at the Heliodoro-Rodríguez-López stadium on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Footage shows the moment Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel is involved in an on-pitch collision during a second-division match. He has died a day later, his club, CD Tenerife, confirms. pic.twitter.com/DcuzqEf4kG
Details Regarding the Incident
- Match Status: The game between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra was abandoned at a score of 2-2 following the incident.
- Official Actions: The Spanish Football Federation postponed all scheduled cup matches until Friday, and a minute of silence was observed in the Champions League.
- Next Step: CD Tenerife is scheduled to hold a public memorial service at their home stadium on Saturday to allow fans to pay their respects.
The investigation into the specific circumstances of the medical response at the stadium remains open, with no further updates provided on the timeline for the final forensic conclusions.
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