Goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been joined by his mother, Maria del Carmen Owono Mangue, as he navigates the "hardest days of his life" after a fatal collision with opponent Jesus de Miguel. De Miguel, a 30-year-old striker for CD Tenerife, died in a Tenerife hospital hours after the incident during a second-division match.

Owono, 25, made a five-and-a-half-hour journey from San Sebastian to Andorra to be with her son, who plays for FC Andorra. The mother and son have maintained a close relationship since Owono moved to Spain from Equatorial Guinea as an eight-year-old.

"My mum has gone to be with Jesus because he is suffering," one of Owono's younger brothers confirmed. A source close to the goalkeeper described Maria del Carmen as "one of the most important, if not the most important, people in Jesus' life," noting her integral role in his integration into a new country and his journey to becoming a professional footballer.

FC Andorra supporters also visited Owono, delivering a letter of encouragement. The letter referred to him as "their Spiderman" and emphasized that he was not alone, vowing continued support from the fanbase.

During the match, which was tied 2-2, Owono was shown a red card for kneeing de Miguel in the chest late in stoppage time. The match was suspended following the collision. De Miguel was reportedly revived by paramedics on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest but his neurological condition worsened, and he died the following morning.

A preliminary post-mortem report indicated his death was consistent with "accidental chest trauma," with further test results pending. The match referee's report stated Owono used "excessive force" while contesting the ball.

Police in Tenerife are investigating the incident for potential involuntary manslaughter, though legal experts expressed doubt about the likelihood of prosecution due to the nature of the clash occurring during open play.

Owono released a statement expressing his profound pain and grief over de Miguel's loss, stating he was "thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him." He acknowledged that matters would need to be addressed but that his current focus was solely on the immense grief being experienced.

FC Andorra extended condolences to de Miguel's family, colleagues, and CD Tenerife, stating they were "heartbroken and devastated."