Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the death of CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, who suffered a cardiac arrest after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division football match.
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The 30-year-old striker died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after sustaining injuries in the collision, which occurred during added time of Monday’s Segunda División encounter between Tenerife and Andorra.
The incident has thrown Spanish football into mourning, prompting the suspension of matches, tributes from major European clubs and football authorities, and an emotional response from Owono, who said he was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
According to reports, De Miguel was chasing a loose ball near the halfway line when Owono, who had rushed out of his penalty area in an attempt to make a clearance, collided with him at speed.
The goalkeeper struck De Miguel in the chest, causing the striker to collapse onto the pitch.
Owono was immediately shown a straight red card by the referee for the challenge, which occurred in the closing moments of the match.
Although the Andorra goalkeeper initially began walking off the field after his dismissal, he returned towards De Miguel upon realising the seriousness of the incident.
Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch as the Tenerife forward lay motionless, with players from both teams visibly distressed by the situation.
De Miguel received emergency medical attention before being taken to hospital, while the match, which was tied at 2-2, was abandoned.
Tenerife initially announced that the striker was in a stable condition despite the severity of his injuries.
However, his neurological condition subsequently deteriorated, and the club confirmed on Tuesday morning that he had died.
Announcing the development, Tenerife expressed profound grief over the loss of the player, who had joined the club in the summer of 2025 after spending much of his career in Spain’s lower football divisions.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true,” the club said in an emotional statement.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness. We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of the tinerfeñismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome.”
Following the death, Spain’s National Police confirmed that an investigation had been opened into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible involuntary manslaughter.
Under Spanish law, deaths arising from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation to establish the circumstances and determine whether any criminal responsibility exists.
However, the Chief Prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, indicated that criminal proceedings against the goalkeeper were unlikely because the collision occurred during active play.
The prosecutor’s position suggests that although the circumstances of the death must be investigated, the opening of an investigation does not automatically establish criminal wrongdoing.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances of the collision, relevant match footage and the medical response provided to De Miguel following the incident.
The investigation will also help establish whether the death resulted solely from an accidental sporting collision or whether any other factors require further examination.
Meanwhile, Owono has publicly expressed his devastation over the incident, describing the days following De Miguel’s death as the most difficult period of his life.
In a statement issued through FC Andorra on Wednesday, November 4, the goalkeeper said he was struggling to process what had happened.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono stated.
“It’s hard for me to find the words and it’s very difficult for me to digest anything that happened. I feel an incredible pain for the loss of Jesús.
“I think about him, his family and all the people who loved him. I know there will be a lot of questions to broach, I will face whatever comes with all respect.
“But for now, honestly, I can’t think about anything but Jesús and the pain we are living. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
The goalkeeper’s statement followed widespread criticism and online abuse directed at him after footage of the collision circulated on social media.
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving hostile comments, including accusations of murder.
The development prompted expressions of support from teammates and football authorities, who urged the public to recognise the emotional impact of the incident on everyone involved.
FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz defended Owono, maintaining that the goalkeeper was deeply affected by De Miguel’s death and would never deliberately injure another player.
Spatz explained that although unfortunate incidents could occur during football matches, nobody could have anticipated such devastating consequences.
The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also expressed support for Owono, a 25-year-old international goalkeeper who has represented the country on 47 occasions.
The federation acknowledged the emotional difficulties facing the player and offered its solidarity following the tragedy.
Another goalkeeper, Michel Owono, also disclosed that he had received racist abuse after some social media users mistakenly identified him as the Andorra player involved in the collision.
FC Andorra subsequently announced that psychological support would be made available to players and staff affected by the incident.
The club also postponed its next scheduled match as part of measures to allow players and officials to mourn and recover emotionally.
Reacting to De Miguel’s death, Tenerife president Felipe Miñambres described the development as a devastating experience for the club and its supporters.
“We are all going through very difficult moments now, of sadness and of not believing what happened,” Miñambres said.
“But we’ll go through the mourning all together, and we’ll be with all the people going through this feeling that should make us be more together.”
FC Andorra also issued a statement expressing condolences to the deceased player’s family, teammates and supporters.
“Devastated and with broken hearts, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife,” the club stated.
Tenerife’s largest shareholder, Rayco García, announced that arrangements were being made for De Miguel’s remains to be transported to Navahermosa in Spain’s Toledo province, in accordance with his family’s wishes.
He said teammates, club officials and other representatives would attend a final farewell for the deceased footballer.
García also disclosed that supporters would gather at Tenerife’s stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to the player.
The tragedy has attracted widespread condolences from football clubs, players and governing bodies across Europe.
Real Madrid observed a minute of silence before a training session and extended condolences to De Miguel’s family, friends and teammates.
Barcelona also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, describing the death as deeply regrettable.
The Spanish Football Federation responded by suspending scheduled Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches as a mark of respect.
The suspension covered matches scheduled for November 3, 4 and 5, with the federation indicating that revised dates would be announced.
European football governing body UEFA also announced that matches taking place during the week, including Champions League fixtures, would observe moments of silence in De Miguel’s memory.
Former teammates and players from across Spanish football also paid tribute to the late striker.
Fernando Román, who previously played alongside De Miguel at Unionistas de Salamanca, shared photographs and an emotional message in memory of his former teammate.
“You were more than a friend… I will never forget you… Rest in Peace,” he wrote.
The tragedy has also raised questions about emergency medical responses during football matches and the procedures followed when players suffer life-threatening injuries.
However, no official determination has been made establishing that the medical response contributed to De Miguel’s death.
Authorities are expected to examine the available evidence as part of the investigation.
Although Owono received a red card for the collision, the disciplinary decision taken by the referee is separate from the question of criminal liability, which must be determined under the applicable Spanish law.
The chief prosecutor’s observation that criminal proceedings are unlikely reflects the distinction between an incident occurring during competitive play and conduct capable of attracting criminal responsibility.
As the investigation continues, Tenerife, Andorra and the wider football community are mourning the loss of De Miguel, whose death has brought renewed attention to player safety, emergency medical care and the risks associated with high-speed collisions during matches.
For Owono, the tragedy has been accompanied by grief and public scrutiny, with the goalkeeper maintaining that his thoughts remain with De Miguel’s family and everyone affected by the loss.
“I can’t think about anything but Jesús and the pain we are living. Rest in peace, Jesús,” he said.
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