Spanish police have launched an investigation into the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel following his fatal collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a second-division encounter.
The 30-year-old forward died on Tuesday morning, November 3, after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday’s match at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to reports, Spain’s National Police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, with the case now under judicial supervision.
The incident occurred during stoppage time when De Miguel chased a long ball towards the opposition half, with Owono rushing out of his penalty area in an attempt to intercept it.
However, the goalkeeper collided heavily with the Tenerife forward, striking him in the chest and leaving him unconscious on the pitch.
Players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance as medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to the injured striker.
Owono was subsequently shown a straight red card by the referee following the collision, while De Miguel received emergency treatment before being transported to hospital by ambulance.
The striker reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the emergency transfer but was resuscitated by medical personnel, who managed to restore his pulse.
He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Hospital, where doctors continued efforts to stabilise his condition.
Tenerife initially described his condition as stable despite the severity of his injuries. However, the club later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before confirming his death at approximately 8:00 am on Tuesday.
The match was abandoned in the 108th minute with both teams level at 2-2 following the incident.
While police investigations are underway, authorities in the Canary Islands have clarified that judicial inquiries are routinely opened following deaths considered non-natural, including accidental deaths.
Consequently, the investigation does not automatically establish that a criminal offence occurred or that Owono bears criminal responsibility for the incident.
Investigators are expected to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the collision and determine whether there are grounds for further legal action.
According to reports by the Associated Press, prosecutors will also be involved in the investigation.
Owono, who represents Equatorial Guinea internationally, has reportedly deactivated his Instagram account following the tragedy.
Meanwhile, FC Andorra have expressed their condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and supporters, describing the incident as heartbreaking.
Several prominent football clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool, have also paid tribute to the deceased striker.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin expressed his sadness over the loss, while the European football governing body announced that matches across its competitions this week would observe a minute’s silence in his memory.
The Spanish Football Federation also postponed several Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures scheduled for Tuesday as a mark of respect.
La Liga president Javier Tebas equally expressed his shock over the incident and pledged support for Tenerife and the player’s family.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 after leaving Castellón and played an important role in the club’s recent campaign.
His death has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, with tributes continuing to emerge from clubs, players and football organisations.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on establishing exactly what happened during the final moments of Monday’s encounter.
