Spanish police investigate after soccer player dies in on-field collision

Spanish police have launched an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after a soccer player died following an on-field collision during a second-division match. The incident occurred when Jesús de Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for Tenerife, collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.

De Miguel collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest after the collision, which took place near midfield. He was taken to a hospital, but his condition deteriorated, and he later passed away. The match, which was tied 2-2, was abandoned following the incident.

Owono was shown a straight red card for the challenge, which happened in added time. The goalkeeper rushed from his area to challenge for a long ball that De Miguel was attempting to reach, resulting in the collision.

Spanish National Police confirmed the investigation into the incident, noting that deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial review. De Miguel’s club expressed deep sorrow, stating it was 'heartbroken' and offering support to his family and the Tenerife community.

Owono, whose Instagram account had nearly 30,000 followers, deactivated his account on Tuesday. De Miguel, a Madrid native, had previously played for lower-division clubs in Spain before joining Tenerife last year.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel is survived by his wife and their daughter. Several clubs, including Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, and La Liga, offered condolences. Piqué expressed his sorrow on social media, as did other football figures, including Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.