The family of Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel have spoken publicly for the first time since his death, describing their loss as an “impossible void to fill” as they gathered for his funeral in his hometown.
The 30-year-old Tenerife striker died on Tuesday morning after suffering a fatal chest injury during a Spanish second-division match against Andorra FC on Sunday.
In a statement released on Thursday, the family expressed gratitude to those who had offered condolences and support following the tragedy.
Speaking on behalf of the family, spokesperson Manuel Hernandez said: “Jesus leaves a void impossible to fill, but also an immense memory in all of us who have been lucky enough to share our lives with him.”
The family also thanked his teammates, friends, supporters and football clubs that had reached out during their difficult time.
“Feeling such love for Jesus and witnessing the impact he has had on so many people is something we will always carry with us,” the statement added.
Girlfriend Was Alone at Hospital Before His Death
Details have also emerged about the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s final hours, with his close friend Fernando Roman revealing that his girlfriend, Maria, was alone at the hospital before the footballer’s death.
Maria had attended the match with the couple’s young daughter, Carla, who is around one year old.
She was reportedly left alone at the hospital as medical staff attended to De Miguel following the collision.
Roman, who plays for Spanish club Talavera, said he and his girlfriend had remained in contact with Maria throughout the ordeal.
Speaking to Spanish television programme Vamos a Ver, he said: “Yesterday, my girlfriend and I were talking all afternoon and all night with María, his girlfriend, who was alone in the hospital.
“I’ve spoken with his girlfriend, and you can imagine how she is. Now we have to be with the family.”
He also sent his condolences to Maria and their daughter, describing the tragedy as difficult to comprehend.
Roman recalled that they had previously discussed taking their daughters to Disneyland together.
“It was unbelievable because we were talking about travelling to Disney with the girls, with my daughter too, and look what’s happened,” he said.
De Miguel’s Father Rushed to Tenerife After Watching Collision
The footballer’s parents were informed that their son had been taken into intensive care and immediately began travelling to Tenerife.
A neighbour of the family in Navahermosa told Spanish programme Y ahora Sonsoles that De Miguel’s father broke down in tears after watching footage of the collision on television at his bar.
He reportedly gathered his family and set off for Tenerife as soon as he realised the seriousness of the incident, but they did not arrive before their son died.
The family later came together to mourn the footballer, who was also remembered by friends and colleagues across the sporting community.
Real Madrid Officials Attend Funeral
De Miguel’s funeral took place at the Tanatorio Santa Lastenia funeral home, where several prominent football figures were present to pay their respects.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez attended alongside the club’s director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno.
Meanwhile, flowers and messages of condolence were left outside Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium in memory of the late striker.
Tributes also emerged during Champions League fixtures this week, with several footballers finding ways to honour his memory.
Post-Mortem Establishes Cause of Death
A preliminary post-mortem examination found that De Miguel died from accidental chest trauma sustained during the collision with Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
The injury was described in the report as consistent with the player’s death.
The Canary Islands High Court of Justice confirmed that it had received the preliminary autopsy findings and authorised the transfer of De Miguel’s remains to mainland Spain for burial.
In its statement, the court said the investigation was being handled by Court of Investigation Number Two of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Court of First Instance.
It added that the contents of the autopsy report would remain confidential out of respect for the deceased and his relatives.
Police Investigate Fatal Collision and Medical Response
Police have launched an investigation into De Miguel’s death, examining both the emergency medical response and the circumstances surrounding the challenge that caused his injury.
Officers from the homicide squad in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are investigating whether Owono’s actions could amount to involuntary manslaughter.
Court officials explained that deaths which do not result from natural causes automatically trigger a judicial investigation.
Medical personnel involved in De Miguel’s treatment are expected to be questioned, while detectives will also examine relevant medical records.
However, legal experts have suggested that the investigation may not result in criminal charges against Owono because the incident occurred during open play.
The goalkeeper is nevertheless expected to face the possibility of a lengthy suspension.
Owono Expresses Grief Over De Miguel’s Death
Owono, who represents Andorra FC and is an international footballer for Equatorial Guinea, was sent off following the incident.
The goalkeeper’s knee struck De Miguel in the chest as the striker attempted to reach the ball near the halfway line during stoppage time.
The match was suspended with both teams level at 2-2.
Owono released a statement on Wednesday expressing his grief over the footballer’s death and acknowledging the pain experienced by his family.
“These are being the most difficult days of my life.
I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened,” he said.
He added: “I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesús. 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 Jesús and the pain we are experiencing.
Rest in peace, Jesús.”
Family Requests Privacy as Mourning Continues
In their statement, De Miguel’s relatives also appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy while they mourn.
They acknowledged the widespread interest in the circumstances surrounding his death but said they needed time and space to grieve.
The family said they were deeply grateful for the messages, telephone calls and other gestures of support they had received.
They concluded by thanking everyone who had remembered the footballer and stood alongside them during the tragedy.
“Thank you for loving him, for remembering him, and for being with us. His family.”
