Spanish police investigate death of Tenerife forward after on-field collision
Spanish authorities have opened an involuntary manslaughter inquiry after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died from cardiac arrest following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a second-division match.
Spanish police announced on Tuesday that they have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died following a collision in a second-division match. The incident occurred in added time when Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed forward and struck de Miguel in the chest while both were contesting a long ball near midfield. Owono received a straight red card and was shown leaving the field before returning to assist the other players.
De Miguel, 30, was taken to hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. Although his pulse was initially restored in the ambulance, his condition later deteriorated and he was pronounced dead at 8 a.m. The match, which had been tied 2-2, was abandoned.
"There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness," the club said in a statement, adding that the family requested privacy.
The club, based in the Canary Islands, expressed its sorrow and thanked supporters for their messages. Other clubs, including Andorra, Real Madrid, Espanyol, Manchester United and Liverpool, issued statements of condolence. The Spanish soccer federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina match scheduled for the following day.
Deaths from on-field collisions in soccer are rare. A similar fatal incident occurred in 2023 when a 19-year-old goalkeeper in Spain died after a head injury, and in 2001 Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from injuries sustained in a match.