In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the football community, Jesús de Miguel, a forward for CD Tenerife, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 3, following a severe collision during a match. The 30-year-old player succumbed to his injuries less than 24 hours after the incident, which occurred on Monday, November 2, during a game against FC Andorra.
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De Miguel collapsed on the pitch after being struck by FC Andorra’s goalkeeper, Jesús Owono. The clash took place towards the end of the game, and De Miguel was subsequently rushed to a hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 a.m. local time the following day.
An initial autopsy conducted by the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (IMLCF) indicated that De Miguel died from “accidental chest trauma.” Authorities investigating the incident have confirmed that, as per standard procedure for non-natural deaths in Spain, a full judicial inquiry has been launched. This protocol ensures that all circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly examined.
The autopsy report submitted to the Second Investigative Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife revealed that while chest trauma was consistent with the cause of death, further investigations are ongoing. Additional tests, including toxicology reports, are pending, and the results of a CT scan conducted during De Miguel’s hospitalisation will also be part of the inquiry.
Witness accounts from the match detailed that the referee noted Owono’s use of “excessive force” during the collision, which adds another layer of scrutiny to the incident. The ongoing investigation will also look into the medical assistance De Miguel received immediately after collapsing, with reports suggesting he may have suffered a cardiac arrest during his transfer to the hospital.
Following the approval of judicial authorities, De Miguel’s body was authorised to be transferred to his parents’ home in Toledo, a province located approximately 46 miles southwest of Madrid. In the wake of his tragic death, tributes have emerged from supporters and fellow players alike, demonstrating the impact he had both on and off the field.
Fans have been congregating outside the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Tenerife, leaving floral arrangements and heartfelt messages in memory of the player. Major clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, have expressed their condolences, and players across various teams have observed moments of silence in honour of De Miguel.
In a show of respect, Samuel Omorodion, a member of Spain’s national team, revealed a message dedicated to De Miguel after scoring for FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. Likewise, Nicolás Paz paid tribute to him after finding the net for Como 1907 during the same competition. These gestures underline the deep sense of loss felt throughout the footballing world.
CD Tenerife announced plans for a memorial event to be held on Saturday, November 7, at their home stadium. The event is intended to be a poignant tribute, where fans and players can gather to celebrate De Miguel’s contributions to the club. In a statement shared on social media, the club emphasised the importance of such commemorative gatherings, noting, “Returning together to this place to pay tribute represents an opportunity to thank him for his contribution to the club and to express the affection that the great Tenerife family has always shown him.”
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident, the legacy of Jesús de Miguel will undoubtedly endure among fans and teammates who cherished his talent and spirit.
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