Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died from accidental chest trauma, autopsy confirms

Jesus de Miguel died from accidental thoracic trauma, the Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed on Wednesday, following a preliminary autopsy into the Tenerife striker’s death after a collision during a LaLiga Hypermotion fixture against FC Andorra on Monday evening.

De Miguel was sprinting towards the ball in the 97th minute when Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono rushed from his area and struck his opponent heavily in the chest. Owono was sent off, and De Miguel received immediate treatment on the pitch before going into cardiac arrest. He was transported by ambulance to Hospital Universitario de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, where he was initially stabilised before passing away at 8am on Tuesday morning.

The preliminary forensic report was submitted on Wednesday to Magistrate Eva Esther Juarez Fernandez, who is presiding over the investigative court overseeing the case. Thoracic trauma has been identified as a “cause consistent with the death,” though further test results, including toxicology reports, remain pending. Under Spanish law, any death not resulting from natural causes automatically triggers a judicial investigation, and homicide officers in Tenerife have opened a routine inquiry.

Owono broke his silence on Wednesday in a statement released by FC Andorra. “These are the most difficult days of my life,” he said. “I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened. I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Tributes and condolences have poured in across Spanish football following De Miguel’s death. The Tenerife first team, coaching staff and club management are attending his funeral, which is taking place in Navahermosa, a village in the province of Toledo.