Spanish police launch manslaughter probe after second-division player dies from on-field collision
Authorities in Spain have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel suffered a fatal cardiac arrest following a clash with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a second-division match.
Spanish police have opened a judicial inquiry into a possible involuntary manslaughter case after 30-year-old Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died from cardiac arrest following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono in a Segunda División match. The incident occurred in added time when Owono rushed from his goal area to challenge for a long ball near midfield and struck de Miguel in the chest. Owono received a straight red card and was shown leaving the field before returning to assist teammates checking on de Miguel.
De Miguel was taken to a hospital, but the match, which was tied 2-2, was abandoned. The National Police confirmed that deaths from non-natural causes are subject to judicial investigation under Spanish law.
“There are no words of comfort. 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,” the club said in a statement.
The club also expressed condolences, and Andorra, owned by former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, issued a similar statement. Piqué posted on X, expressing sorrow for de Miguel. Players from Real Madrid observed a minute of silence during training, while Espanyol postponed a coaching presentation. International clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, also offered condolences on social media.
The Spanish soccer federation postponed two Copa del Rey fixtures and one Copa de la Reina match scheduled for later that day. Officials noted that life-threatening injuries from soccer collisions are rare, citing previous fatalities involving goalkeepers in Spain and abroad.