Spanish Police Open Homicide Inquiry After Tenerife Forward Dies

Spanish authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the death of a professional soccer player, a procedural step required by national law for any non natural death.

Jesús de Miguel, a 30 year old forward for CD Tenerife, died after suffering cardiac arrest on the pitch during a second division match against FC Andorra. The incident occurred on Monday during added time when de Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono near the center circle. Owono was running from the opposite direction in an attempt to clear a long ball. The referee issued a direct red card to the goalkeeper for the action.

The National Police confirmed the opening of an inquiry on Tuesday. Under Spanish legal standards, judicial review is mandatory for accidents, though the chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, told the EFE news agency that criminal proceedings are unlikely. He noted that the collision happened within the normal course of play.

De Miguel was rushed to a hospital after collapsing. The match was suspended with the score tied at 2-2. The club, based in the Canary Islands, stated it was devastated by the loss. Rayco García, the club's principal shareholder, said the player's body would be moved to Navahermosa in Toledo province at the request of his family. He indicated that teammates and officials would attend a final farewell ceremony.

Club president Felipe Miñambres said the players and their families would require professional support to process the death. "We will need professional help and the support of all our fans," he said. "They will feel the same as we do today." The club requested a postponement of its scheduled league match in Granada that Saturday.

De Miguel began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 before joining Tenerife last year. Local media reported he leaves behind a wife and a daughter. No prior health conditions were reported, and the specific medical cause of death has not yet been released.

The Spanish football federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for the following three days. UEFA announced a minute of silence will be observed in all its competitions this week. FC Andorra, owned by former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, issued a statement of condolences, as did Real Madrid, Barcelona, and several English clubs.