A 19-year-old footballer was among four young people killed in a horror car crash in Spain on Monday morning (17 August). Djedy Sidibe, who played for amateur side Zaragoza Galaxy, died when the car he was travelling in collided with a lorry on the N-122 in Borja.
Four young people aged between 18 and 21 died in the collision, while a fifth occupant was seriously injured. All five were travelling in the car, according to local media. The seriously injured passenger was flown by helicopter to hospital. A second car was also involved in the crash but nobody inside it was injured, while the lorry driver escaped unhurt.
Victims were returning from YMCA summer camp
The five young people had been returning to Zaragoza after spending the weekend in Salduero, where they had gone to help at a YMCA summer camp. After reaching adulthood, several had decided to become volunteers with the organisation's Leadership Academy, helping younger people through the same programmes they had enjoyed during their own childhoods and teenage years.
Sidibe, who had Malian roots, was also studying for a Higher Degree in Chemistry and Environmental Health at IES Río Gállego. He played for Zaragoza Galaxy, an amateur team in the Major League Aragón.
Club pays tribute to 'friend and great person'
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.
“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.”
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.”
University mourns second victim
Another of those killed was Saad Ahizoune, a young man of Moroccan origin who was studying for a teaching degree at the Faculty of Education at the University of Zaragoza. The university also expressed its sorrow over the death of its student and offered its condolences.
The police are investigating the circumstances of the collision, as reported by NeedToKnow. The tragedy has left relatives, friends, teammates and the organisations they were involved with in mourning. The fifth young person who was travelling in the car remains in hospital in a serious condition.
