Andorra goalkeeper 'suffering deeply' as manslaughter investigation opened after Jesus de Miguel's death

Jesus Owono is “deeply suffering” in the aftermath of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel’s death, according to Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz, as Spanish police have opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following Monday’s Segunda División match.

De Miguel, 30, collapsed after a collision with Owono during the second-division fixture and was rushed to hospital. Despite initially being listed in a stable condition in intensive care, his condition deteriorated overnight and he died on Tuesday. The match had been abandoned at 2-2 after he was taken off the pitch.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui has indicated that criminal proceedings against Owono are “very unlikely”, though the investigation remains open as a procedural matter under Spanish law.

Owono, 25, deleted his social media accounts after reportedly receiving a wave of online abuse. Spatz took to Instagram to defend his teammate and call for compassion.

“There are moments when football loses its meaning,” Spatz wrote. “Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be. What we went through is something none of us will ever forget. A tragedy that has left us completely broken, speechless, and with a sadness that is difficult to explain.”

Spatz added: “I also want to say a few words to my team-mate, goalkeeper, and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened. Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is. We know how much he is suffering right now and that he would never intend to hurt anyone. In football, unforeseen events occur, but no one can imagine that one of them could end with such tragic consequences.”

Reports from Spain indicated that Owono broke down in tears and was praying in the dressing room following the incident.

Thousands of fans gathered at a vigil outside Tenerife’s stadium on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to the Madrid-born striker. FC Andorra also issued a statement expressing condolences: “With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife.”

De Miguel’s Tenerife teammates have also posted tributes on social media, mourning the loss of a player described as a warm and joyful presence within the squad.