The family of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel have released their first public statement following his death, which occurred after a collision with Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second division fixture on Monday.
De Miguel and Owono challenged for a loose ball, with the striker brought down after the goalkeeper rushed from his goal line to clear it, striking him in the chest. The impact caused De Miguel to suffer a cardiorespiratory arrest on the pitch. He received immediate treatment but died in hospital on Tuesday morning. A preliminary autopsy report confirmed his cause of death as "accidental chest trauma."
Family's First Statement
The 30-year-old's funeral took place on November 5 in his hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, in mainland Spain. Manuel Hernandez, a spokesperson for the family, read out a statement expressing gratitude for the support received.
"In these difficult times for us, we want to sincerely thank everyone for the kind words and expressions of affection we are receiving," the statement said. "We don't have enough words to thank you for every message, every call, and every gesture of affection that we are receiving. Thank you to everyone who has remembered him, to his team-mates, friends, fans and all the clubs who have wanted to convey their condolences and accompany us in this painful moment."
Request for Privacy
The family also requested privacy during their grieving process. "Feeling such love for Jesus and witnessing the impact he has had on so many people is something we will always carry with us. Therefore, we respectfully request that our privacy and that of all those accompanying us at this time be protected," the statement continued.
"We need to grieve in the peace and quiet that this situation requires. We understand the affection, concern, and support that her loss is generating, and we are deeply grateful. Jesus leaves a void impossible to fill, but also an immense memory in all of us who have been lucky enough to share our lives with him. Thank you for loving him, for remembering him, and for being with us. His family."
Autopsy and Legal Proceedings
It has also emerged that De Miguel's girlfriend, Maria, was alone at the hospital when he died. Following the initial post-mortem examination, the Canary Islands High Court of Justice issued a statement confirming that Court of Investigation Number Two of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Court of First Instance received the preliminary autopsy report.
The court said the report's contents remain confidential out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and his family, and it has authorised the transport of De Miguel's remains to the mainland for burial.
