Tragedy in Tenerife: Jesus de Miguel dies at 30. He suffered cardiac arrest after a collision with the goalkeeper.
The Canary Islands club announced it in a statement on their official website: the striker was the protagonist of a terrible clash last night.
There are no words. Jesus de Miguel, 30, a Tenerife striker, died this morning in the hospital where he had been rushed yesterday afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with opposing goalkeeper Joseph Owono during the stoppage time of Tenerife vs. Andorra, a match in Spain's Segunda Division, Serie B.
THE WORSENING
During the night, Tenerife issued an initial statement announcing De Miguel's condition was "stable, with a serious condition." The tone was positive and gave cause for hope. Unfortunately, however, at dawn this morning, the Canary Islands club posted an update that went in the opposite direction: "Jesus de Miguel's condition has worsened neurologically. More information in the next few hours." These few words only heightened the sense of anguish and concern for the thirty-year-old striker's situation. And just before 10:00 a.m., the tragic confirmation arrived: Jesus de Miguel had passed away.
with his head and, with a clumsy intervention, he knocked down De Miguel with excessive force, who was trying to control the ball.
THE PREVIOUS
The incident was reminiscent of the collision between Genoa goalkeeper Silvano Martina and Fiorentina's number 10 Giancarlo Antognoni in a Serie A match on November 22, 1981, played at the Stadio Comunale in Florence. Antognoni also suffered cardiac arrest and a double skull fracture. He collapsed unconscious and was saved by the doctor's prompt intervention, returning to the field the following March after a lengthy rehabilitation program.
MATCH SUSPENDED
The Tenerife player's condition also immediately appeared serious. The referee sent off the goalkeeper and then suspended the match, with De Miguel leaving the pitch amidst the emotional and frightened applause of the crowd. He was rushed to the hospital, suffering a cardiac arrest, while medical staff attempted to stabilize the player's dramatic condition. The wait began, but after initial optimism and subsequent pessimism, the most tragic news arrived.