Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died from "accidental chest trauma", according to a preliminary autopsy report. The 30-year-old died on Monday (November 2) after a collision during a match against FC Andorra.
De Miguel was challenging for the ball when he was struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during the final minutes at Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez. Local sources Canarias7 and El Dia report that the Institute of Forensic Medicine has found that de Miguel died from "accidental thoracic trauma."
Forensic findings and investigation
The institute added that "thoracic trauma" has emerged as a "cause consistent with the death" of de Miguel, though results from further tests, such as toxicology reports, are still pending. The preliminary forensic report was submitted on Wednesday morning to Magistrate Eva Esther Juarez Fernandez, who is presiding over the investigative division court overseeing the investigation into De Miguel's passing.
De Miguel's funeral will take place in Navahermosa, a village in the province of Toledo, Spain, today (Thursday). The Tenerife first team, coaching staff and club management will be in attendance to pay tribute.
Owono's statement and tributes
Andorra goalkeeper Owono has issued a statement through the club after the incident. The statement said: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I’m struggling to find the words and finding it very difficult to process anything that has happened.
“I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
“But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
Andorra’s Argentinian defender Lautaro Spatz took to Instagram to pay tribute to de Miguel but also to defend Owono, who has deleted his account on the social media platform. Spatz called de Miguel’s death “a tragedy that has left us completely broken, without words and with a sadness difficult to explain”.
The 25-year-old continued: “I also want to have some words for my team-mate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened.
“Those of us who know him know the type of person he is, how much he is suffering in these moments and that he would never intend to hurt anyone.
“In football, unfortunate incidents happen, but no-one could imagine that one of these could end in such tragic circumstances.”
Memorial and match cancellations
Fans gathered at Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes to de Miguel, with the club declaring six days of official mourning. A memorial service will be held at the ground on Saturday evening for the striker, with supporters invited to attend.
Tuesday’s domestic Spanish games were called off as a mark of respect but Champions League matches went ahead, including Barcelona’s clash with Aston Villa at the Nou Camp.
