Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on November 3 at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision during a Spanish second-division match against FC Andorra. The incident occurred in the seventh minute of stoppage time, with the score tied at 2-2, when De Miguel collapsed after a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Spanish police have opened an involuntary manslaughter investigation into the incident, according to the National Police. Prosecutors will also be involved in the proceedings. Owono was shown a straight red card for the challenge, which was deemed reckless by match officials.
De Miguel was treated on the pitch for over five minutes before being taken to Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in an ambulance. Medical staff reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported and was resuscitated en route. His condition initially stabilized, but he died at 08:00 local time on November 3. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed all matches scheduled for November 3, including fixtures in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina, as a mark of respect.
The Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The match was abandoned after De Miguel became motionless following the collision with Owono, who had rushed out of his area to clear a long ball. Owono’s knee struck De Miguel in the chest near the halfway line. Players from both teams, including De Miguel’s visibly distressed teammates, signaled for medical assistance. Some teammates were seen in tears as medical staff attended to the striker.
Tenerife issued a statement expressing profound grief: “Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.” The club also requested privacy for De Miguel’s family, who expressed gratitude for the support received.
Andorra, co-owned by former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, issued a statement offering condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates, and Tenerife supporters.
Medical Timeline and Cardiac Arrest
Multiple reports indicate that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest while in the ambulance. According to Spanish media, including Marca, emergency personnel revived him during transport. Upon arrival at the hospital, his condition was described as stable but serious. However, his health deteriorated overnight, with reports later stating his condition had worsened neurologically. He was pronounced dead at 08:00 local time on November 3.
Tenerife confirmed in an early morning update that De Miguel had been admitted to the ICU but did not provide further details on the cause of death beyond the cardiac arrest. The family later confirmed his passing in a club statement.
Police Investigation and Legal Implications
The National Police confirmed on November 3 that an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter had been opened. Prosecutors will oversee the case, which will examine whether Owono’s challenge constituted reckless or negligent conduct. The investigation will also assess the adequacy of medical response and the circumstances leading to De Miguel’s cardiac arrest.
Owono, a 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international, has not publicly commented on the incident. Reports suggest he expressed remorse privately and intended to apologize to De Miguel’s family. However, he has faced backlash from fans, with chants of “murderer” directed at him during the match and in subsequent social media messages. Owono’s Instagram account was reportedly closed amid the criticism.
Tributes and Football Community Response
Football clubs across Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, issued statements of condolence. Barcelona stated: “Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times.” Real Madrid expressed similar sentiments, offering condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates, and club.
The RFEF postponed all matches scheduled for November 3, including Spain’s Under-21 international against Japan, as a mark of respect. The governing body also canceled the official presentation for the match.
Tenerife’s statement concluded: “We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.” The family requested privacy during this period.