Hundreds attend funeral of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel
The 28-year-old died after a collision with an Andorra goalkeeper, prompting a police investigation and a three-day mourning period in his parents' village.
By Lina Lewis ·
Hundreds of mourners packed the streets of Navahermosa on Thursday for the funeral of Jesus de Miguel. The Tenerife striker died after a collision on the pitch earlier this week. His death has triggered a local mourning period and a formal police inquiry.
De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after clashing with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday. He was pronounced dead in a hospital on Tuesday. The service took place in Navahermosa, a village in central Spain where his parents were born. Teammates traveled from the Canary Islands to attend. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez also appeared at the church.
De Miguel’s agent, Manuel Hernandez, read a statement from the family. They said they would always carry the affection shown for Jesus. The family noted that he leaves a void that is impossible to fill. They thanked those who stood by them during the loss. De la Fuente told reporters that the soccer community stands united. He sent a warm embrace to the player's loved ones.
A funeral car draped in flowers arrived at the local church. Dozens of people walked behind it. Pallbearers carried De Miguel to the village cemetery after the mass. Navahermosa has declared three days of mourning. Flags fly at half-mast at the town hall.
Owono released a statement on Wednesday. He described the period as the most difficult days of his life. He said he struggles to find words and feels enormous pain. He thinks of De Miguel, his family, and all who loved him. Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. This is a routine procedure for a death deemed non-natural. Investigators will assess if Owono’s challenge went beyond the normal course of play.
Tenerife’s match against Granada has been postponed. Andorra’s game with Mallorca was also delayed. On Sunday, Las Palmas will wear blue and white colors against Eldense. These are typically the colors worn by Tenerife. Fans are invited to the stadium on Saturday for a final tribute. Hernandez called the event the last goodbye.
The investigation will determine if the collision was within the rules of the game. The club has paused its league schedule. The village remains in mourning. The police will review video evidence and interview witnesses. The outcome of the probe will be announced in the coming weeks.
