FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has deactivated his Instagram account following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, as Spanish police launch an investigation into the fatal collision between both players during a Spanish second-division fixture.
The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international was involved in a horrific incident with De Miguel during Monday’s encounter between Tenerife and Andorra at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
De Miguel, 30, suffered a cardiac arrest following the collision and was rushed to Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. Despite initial reports that his condition was stable but serious, his neurological condition deteriorated, and he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, November 3.
According to reports by Spanish media, subsequently corroborated by the Associated Press and EFE, the National Police’s Homicide Group has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The case is now under judicial supervision, with possible involuntary manslaughter among the issues reported in connection with the investigation.
However, the opening of an investigation does not establish criminal liability against Owono.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told EFE that criminal proceedings would be difficult to pursue because the incident occurred during active play.
He explained that investigators would first examine the referee’s report and await the findings of the Sports Disciplinary Committee to determine whether the challenge was dangerous or reckless, or whether there was any intention to cause harm.
The incident occurred seven minutes into stoppage time, with the contest delicately poised at 2-2.
Owono had advanced from his goal towards the halfway line in an attempt to clear a long ball when he collided heavily with De Miguel, who was attempting to reach the ball. The goalkeeper’s knee appeared to strike the Tenerife forward during the challenge.
De Miguel immediately collapsed and received emergency medical attention on the pitch before being taken away by ambulance. Owono was shown a straight red card by the referee, who subsequently abandoned the match.
Owono Deactivates Instagram Account
The tragic development has also taken a significant emotional toll on Owono.
According to Spanish sports publication AS, the goalkeeper was visibly distraught after the incident, with teammates reportedly seeing him crying and praying in the dressing room.
He was also subjected to hostile reactions from sections of the crowd as he left the pitch, while his social media accounts reportedly attracted a wave of abusive messages following news of De Miguel’s death.
Owono subsequently deactivated his Instagram account, which had attracted nearly 30,000 followers, according to the Associated Press.
The goalkeeper, who has not publicly commented on the tragedy, is understood to have been deeply affected by the incident.
Spanish Football Mourns De Miguel
De Miguel’s death has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players and football authorities.
Tenerife expressed profound grief in an emotional statement, extending condolences to the striker’s family, friends and supporters.
FC Andorra also expressed its sympathy, describing itself as deeply affected by the tragedy and offering support to the bereaved family and everyone connected with Tenerife.
The club also acknowledged the psychological impact of the incident on its players and staff, confirming that professional psychological support would be made available to those who needed it.
Former Barcelona defender and Andorra co-owner Gerard Piqué, alongside global football stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, also joined the growing number of personalities paying tribute.
Real Madrid and Arsenal observed moments of silence in honour of the late forward, while UEFA announced that tributes would be held at its matches during the week.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) subsequently extended the postponement of its competitions, suspending Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures scheduled for November 3, 4 and 5 as a mark of respect.
The Tenerife Island Council also declared an official day of mourning, while supporters have continued to leave flowers, candles and messages outside the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.
The club has announced plans for a memorial tribute at the stadium on Saturday, November 7, while De Miguel’s funeral is expected to take place in Navahermosa, Toledo, following the transfer of his body to mainland Spain.
A Career Cut Short at 30
Born in Madrid, De Miguel began his senior career with Leganés in 2015 before representing several Spanish clubs, including Lugo, Fuenlabrada, Internacional Madrid, Unión Adarve, Navalcarnero, Unionistas and Castellón.
He joined Castellón in 2023 and played an important role in the club’s promotion to Spain’s second division, scoring 16 goals during the campaign.
The forward moved to Tenerife in 2025 on a three-year contract and went on to score 11 goals in 29 appearances for the club.
His death leaves behind his young daughter, Carla, born in 2025, and a grieving family.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision, Spanish football remains united in mourning a player whose life and career were tragically cut short.
