Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died from "accidental chest trauma," according to a post-mortem examination, following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday evening.
The 30-year-old passed away on Tuesday morning at 8am at Hospital Universitario de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, where he had been taken by ambulance after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch. He had initially been stabilised before his death.
Incident during LaLiga Hypermotion fixture
The incident occurred during additional time of a LaLiga Hypermotion fixture. De Miguel was sprinting towards the ball in the 97th minute when Owono charged out of his area to clear, striking his opponent with considerable force in the chest.
Owono was immediately shown a red card, while De Miguel received treatment on the pitch before suffering a cardiac arrest. The match was subsequently abandoned, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation suspended all fixtures until Friday.
Forensic findings and investigation
According to local outlets Canarias7 and El Dia, the Institute of Forensic Medicine concluded that De Miguel died from "accidental thoracic trauma." The cause has been identified as "consistent with the death," although results from additional tests, including toxicology reports, remain outstanding.
The initial forensic report was presented on Wednesday morning to Magistrate Eva Esther Juarez Fernandez, who is heading the investigative division court examining the circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death. Judicial and police authorities are carrying out a routine investigation, and homicide officers in Tenerife have launched a formal probe, which will also examine the medical response to the incident.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui confirmed that criminal proceedings against Owono are, however, "very unlikely." Any death "not resulting from natural causes" automatically triggers a judicial investigation.
Tributes and funeral arrangements
An outpouring of tributes and condolences has swept through Spanish football following his death. Owono spoke publicly about the incident on Wednesday, saying: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened."
In a statement, FC Andorra said: "FC Andorra continues to be deeply affected by the death of Jesus de Miguel. In these very difficult moments, our player Jesus Owono wishes to personally share a few words." Owono added: "I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
The Tenerife first team, coaching staff and club management will be present at De Miguel's funeral, scheduled to take place in Navahermosa, a village in the province of Toledo, Spain, on Thursday. Owono has since been dropped from the Equatorial Guinea squad ahead of the forthcoming international break.
UD Almeria, a club partly owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, has pledged to donate funds to De Miguel's family. In an official statement, Almeria said: "Driven by our sense of social and humanitarian responsibility, and by our firm conviction of the importance of solidarity and of standing alongside all members of the football community, especially at such difficult times. UD Almeria, on the initiative of its president, Mr Mohammed Al Khereiji, has decided to allocate all of the ticket revenue from its home match against CD Tenerife, corresponding to matchday 34, to support the family of Jesus de Miguel." De Miguel is survived by his wife Maria and their young daughter Carla.
