Spanish police open investigation after Tenerife player dies from on-field collision
Spanish authorities have launched a judicial inquiry into the death of CD Tenerife goalkeeper Jesús de Miguel following a collision during a match, while clubs and officials mourn his passing.
Spain's National Police announced on Tuesday that a judicial investigation has been opened into the death of CD Tenerife goalkeeper Jesús de Miguel, who collapsed after a collision during a league match on the island of Tenerife. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to such investigations.
Chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told news agency EFE that criminal proceedings are unlikely, noting that the incident occurred during normal play. De Miguel was taken to hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was abandoned.
Club officials said the player's body will be transported to Navahermosa in Toledo province at the family's request, and that teammates and staff will attend a final farewell. The club has asked for its upcoming league fixture against Granada to be postponed, and fans are expected to gather at the stadium on Saturday to honor him.
"We will all join forces and get through this together," said Tenerife's largest shareholder Rayco García.
"We will need professional help and the help of all of our fans," added club president Felipe Miñambres.
De Miguel, a Madrid native who began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 and joined Tenerife last year, had no reported pre-existing health conditions. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Several clubs and football bodies expressed condolences, including a statement from the Andorra club owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, and messages from Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, and others. The Spanish soccer federation postponed Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for the next three days, and UEFA announced a moment of silence at its matches this week.
The incident follows a small number of fatal injuries in football, such as the 2023 death of a 19-year-old goalkeeper in Spain and earlier cases in Ukraine and Russia.