Headline: Police Launch Investigation Following Death of Tenerife Striker Jesus de Miguel
Police in Spain have announced the initiation of a “routine” investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. The 30-year-old passed away in hospital on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest as a result of a collision during a match on Monday.
De Miguel collapsed on the field following an encounter with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had rushed out of his area to clear the ball, colliding with the forward’s chest. The match was subsequently abandoned, and Owono received a red card for the incident, which occurred in stoppage time of the second division fixture.
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After the incident, De Miguel was transported to the hospital, where he initially got treatment on the pitch. Tenerife reported that he was “stable, despite the severity of his condition,” but later indicated that his neurological condition deteriorated in the early hours of Tuesday. The club confirmed his passing around 8am on Tuesday.
While Spain’s National Police indicated that prosecutors would join the investigation, authorities in the Canary Islands clarified that the inquiry into the footballer’s death was standard procedure. Under Spanish law, any death categorized as non-natural triggers a judicial investigation.
In a heartfelt statement, Tenerife expressed their sorrow: “Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. There are no words of comfort. There is absolutely nothing that can ease this overwhelming sense of sadness.”
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Owono, an international player from Equatorial Guinea, has since deactivated his Instagram account following the incident. A statement from Andorra extended condolences, saying: “With broken hearts, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace.”
Several La Liga teams, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, have shown their respects, and Fifpro, the global players’ union, commented on the tragedy: “Fifpro is deeply saddened by the passing of CD Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel. Our thoughts are with Jesus’ family, friends, teammates, everyone at CD Tenerife, and all those affected. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
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La Liga president Javier Tebas expressed his shock over the incident, stating the league would provide support to both the club and De Miguel’s family. He mentioned the possibility of postponing Tenerife’s next match in light of the players’ well-being and hinted at a joint tribute involving La Liga and the Segunda Division.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin also expressed grief, stating: “We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. We have searched for words and found only silence. In that silence, our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his teammates, everyone at Tenerife, and all those who mourn this tragic loss.”
In memory of De Miguel, all Uefa matches this week will begin with a moment of silence. Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation announced the postponement of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey and Copa del Reina matches, offering their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the fans of Club Deportivo Tenerife during this sorrowful time.
