FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has reportedly been left devastated following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel Alameda after an accidental collision during a Spanish Segunda División match on Monday.
The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international was said to have broken down in tears in the dressing room, with teammates offering emotional support following the incident.
According to The Sun UK, Owono was seen crying and praying after learning of the seriousness of the collision, which occurred during the closing stages of the encounter.
The incident happened when the goalkeeper rushed out to clear a long ball, inadvertently striking De Miguel in the head and chest with his knee.
The 30-year-old forward collapsed and remained motionless on the pitch, prompting immediate concern among players and medical personnel.
Several footballers were reportedly visibly distressed as emergency responders attended to the injured striker.
Owono received a straight red card following the collision, while the referee subsequently abandoned the match during second-half stoppage time.
De Miguel was transported to hospital, reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest during the journey before paramedics successfully resuscitated him.
Tenerife initially announced on Monday night that the forward was in a stable but serious condition.
However, the club confirmed his death on Tuesday morning, triggering widespread grief within the football community.
Reports indicated that Owono remained visibly shaken during Andorra’s return journey from Tenerife, with teammates rallying around him.
Journalist Ivan Alvarez told COPE radio that the goalkeeper had planned to visit De Miguel’s family personally to apologise before receiving news of the striker’s death.
Owono has reportedly deactivated his social media accounts and is seeking an opportunity to privately express his condolences before issuing a public statement.
Meanwhile, judicial authorities in the Canary Islands are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
A court source reportedly described the incident as an accidental collision during a football match, explaining that investigations are routinely initiated when deaths occur from non-natural causes.
According to the report, Owono is not expected to face criminal sanctions, although potential sporting disciplinary measures remain a possibility.
The tragedy was particularly distressing because De Miguel’s partner, Maria, and their one-year-old daughter, Carla, were reportedly watching from the stands when the collision occurred.
Tenerife have expressed profound sadness over the striker’s death, mourning the loss of a member of their playing squad.
European football governing body UEFA has also reportedly announced plans to observe a minute’s silence at matches throughout the week in his memory.
As tributes continue, the incident has cast a shadow over Spanish football, with attention focused on supporting De Miguel’s bereaved family and those affected by the tragedy.
Ezeana Emmanuel
