Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after a footballer died following an on-field collision with the opposing team’s goalkeeper in a second-division match.
Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died after he suffered cardiac arrest following the on-field collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. The incident occurred deep into stoppage time, forcing the league match to be abandoned with the score tied at 2-2.
De Miguel was challenging for the ball near midfield on Monday when he was struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who came running from the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to make a clearance. Owono was shown a straight red card for the incident, before the game was abandoned.
The country’s National Police said Tuesday that an investigation was opened. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation. Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely, noting that the collision occurred during play.
De Miguel, a Madrid native, began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 and subsequently played for a number of lower-division clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year. Spanish media said De Miguel is survived by his wife and their daughter.
“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “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.” Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation and La Liga.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement. Piqué said on X: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
