Spanish police have launched an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the death of CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, who suffered a fatal medical emergency after colliding with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division football match.
The 30-year-old died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after an incident involving FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Monday’s fixture at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.
Spain’s National Police confirmed that proceedings had been opened following the player’s death, with prosecutors also expected to participate in the investigation.
The incident occurred during stoppage time when De Miguel pursued a long ball near the halfway line as Owono rushed out of his goal to challenge for possession. The two players collided, leaving the Tenerife forward unconscious on the pitch.
Owono was immediately shown a straight red card, while players from both teams called for medical assistance.
The match, which was level at 2-2, was subsequently abandoned as medical personnel attended to the injured player.
Medical staff treated De Miguel on the pitch for several minutes before transferring him to hospital by ambulance.
According to reports, the forward suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest following the collision. Medical personnel managed to restore his pulse during the emergency journey to hospital, after which he was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Tenerife.
CD Tenerife initially reported that the player was stable, although his condition remained critical.
However, an update from the club in the early hours of Tuesday revealed that his neurological condition had deteriorated.
He died at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
The opening of the investigation has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events leading to the player’s death.
However, the commencement of police and judicial proceedings does not mean that the goalkeeper has been found criminally responsible.
The investigation will examine the incident and the circumstances surrounding the fatal outcome.
CD Tenerife announced the forward’s death in an emotional statement, expressing grief over the loss of a player who had represented the club.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true,” the club said.
It added; “There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.”
FC Andorra also expressed condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and everyone associated with Tenerife.
The incident has attracted tributes from across Spanish and international football, with clubs and football authorities expressing sympathy for the player’s family.
The Spanish Football Federation also postponed several scheduled cup fixtures as a mark of respect.
De Miguel, who joined Tenerife in 2025, had previously played for several Spanish lower-division clubs, including Leganés B, Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero, Unionistas de Salamanca and Castellón.
His death at 30 has left the Spanish football community mourning a tragic loss.
