Spanish police have opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died following a cardiac arrest sustained during a match. The 30-year-old collapsed on Monday and passed away on Tuesday, a day after being involved in an on-pitch collision with opposition goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Collision during Tenerife vs Andorra
The incident occurred during Tenerife's clash against Andorra in LaLiga HyperMotion, Spain's second division. The two players collided on the halfway line as De Miguel chased a ball played over the defence while Owono rushed out to intercept it, appearing to catch his opponent in the chest.
The forward was left motionless on the pitch, with teammates quickly calling for medical attention. The goalkeeper was shown a red card for the challenge. De Miguel was rushed to hospital, where his condition deteriorated overnight before he died the following morning.
Investigation and club statements
Spain's National Police confirmed on Tuesday that proceedings had been formally opened, with prosecutors also expected to be involved. Authorities in the Canary Islands stressed that launching such an investigation was standard procedure in circumstances of this nature.
In a statement announcing the news, Tenerife said: "Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true. There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness."
The club added: "We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones... that today weep for this cruel outcome. The family of Jesus de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments."
Andorra's response
In a statement posted on X, Andorra said: "With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace."
Andorra also confirmed that the collision was accidental and offered support to their player, who was reportedly left in tears and praying in the dressing room following the incident. They added: "There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness. We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of tinerfenismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome. The family of Jesus de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments."
