Fernando Roman, a close friend of Jesus de Miguel, has shared the grief of the late Spanish footballer's girlfriend and father following his death on Tuesday. De Miguel, a 30-year-old striker for Tenerife, passed away hours after sustaining a blow to the chest from Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second division match. Owono was sent off following the incident, which led to the game being abandoned.
Roman described De Miguel's girlfriend, Maria, as being alone at the hospital with their infant daughter, Carla, after the tragedy. She was later joined by De Miguel's parents, who traveled to Tenerife after being informed of their son's critical condition. A neighbor recounted that De Miguel's father began crying upon seeing the collision on television at his bar and immediately departed with his family for Tenerife.
De Miguel died Tuesday morning at Nuestra Senora Candelaria University Hospital. His club, CD Tenerife, confirmed his passing, stating they were "heartbroken" and "unable to believe this is true." The club also noted that the footballer's neurological condition had worsened.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, examining the emergency medical response and considering the possibility of involuntary manslaughter related to Owono's challenge. Court officials explained that any death not resulting from natural causes automatically triggers a judicial inquiry. Legal experts, however, suggest that charges against Owono are unlikely given the nature of the play, though he is expected to face a significant ban.
Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, received a red card for kneeing De Miguel in the chest near the halfway line in stoppage time. De Miguel, whose partner and daughter were in attendance, was reportedly revived by paramedics on the pitch before being transported to the hospital. His club released a statement expressing their sorrow and offering condolences to his family, loved ones, and the wider community.
Owono is reportedly seeking to offer his apologies to De Miguel's family before making any public statements. FC Andorra also conveyed their condolences to De Miguel's family, colleagues, friends, and CD Tenerife.