A 19-year-old footballer is among four young people who died in a devastating car crash in Spain. Djedy Sidibe, who played for Zaragoza Galaxy, was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a lorry on Monday morning, August 17.
Four young people aged between 18 and 21 lost their lives in the crash, while a fifth sustained serious injuries. All five were passengers in the car, according to local media reports. The critically injured survivor was airlifted to hospital by helicopter. A second vehicle was also caught up in the crash, though none of its occupants were hurt, and the lorry driver also escaped without injury.
Crash Investigation Underway
Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, which occurred on the N-122 in Borja, Spain. The five youngsters had been making their way back to Zaragoza after spending the weekend in Salduero, where they had been volunteering at a YMCA summer camp.
Having reached adulthood, several had chosen to volunteer with the organisation's Leadership Academy, guiding younger people through the same programmes they had benefited from in their own childhoods and teenage years.
Tributes to Djedy Sidibe
Sidibe, who had Malian heritage, was also studying for a Higher Degree in Chemistry and Environmental Health at IES Río Gállego. He played for Zaragoza Galaxy, an amateur side in the Major League Aragon. His football club paid tribute to him on social media following news of his death: "We at Zaragoza Galaxy are deeply saddened to announce the death of our player and friend, Djedy Sidibe, who passed away this Monday."
The club continued: "Yesterday we received the tragic news of the road accident in which Djedy lost his life alongside three other people. The news has left us completely devastated and speechless." The club said Sidibe was much more than a footballer to those who knew him: "For us, Djedy was not just a player. He was a friend and, above all, a great person. Someone to share moments, laughter and happy memories with; one of those people who, through their personality, could always make you smile."
Other Victims and Ongoing Grief
The club added: "Today, football takes a back seat. Today we say goodbye to a friend, a teammate and a person who will always have a place in our hearts. We would like to express our deepest condolences and all our love to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as to the families of the other victims of this tragic accident. Rest in peace, Djedy."
Also amongst those who lost their lives was Saad Ahizoune, a young man of Moroccan heritage who was studying for a teaching degree at the Faculty of Education at the University of Zaragoza. The university likewise expressed its profound grief over the loss of its student and extended its heartfelt condolences. The devastating incident has plunged relatives, friends, teammates and the organisations they were associated with into grief. The fifth young person who was a passenger in the vehicle remains hospitalised in a serious condition.
