Spanish Police Classify Soccer Star's Death as Possible Homicide
National authorities in Tenerife opened a judicial inquiry into the fatal on-field collision between two players during a match on Monday.
By Megan Ivanov ·
Spanish National Police have opened an investigation into the death of Jesús de Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for Club Deportivo Tenerife, treating the incident as a possible homicide. The case is now under judicial supervision following the player's death at Hospital Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria on Monday.
De Miguel died hours after sustaining a severe impact to the face from Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The collision occurred during a contest for a loose ball in the final minutes of the match at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium. The Superior Court of Justice of Canaries noted that any death not caused by natural factors, whether accidental or otherwise, automatically triggers the start of a judicial inquiry.
José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, the chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stated that a formal criminal process is unlikely. He explained that a long-standing Supreme Court doctrine holds that injuries sustained during active gameplay are generally not punishable unless a player intentionally attacks another while the game is stopped. The prosecutor emphasized that the outcome will depend on the official match report and the findings of the Sports Discipline Committee.
Investigators are currently examining whether Owono played dangerously or with the intent to cause harm. The prosecutor indicated that if the family disputes the committee's conclusions, they may file a complaint for assault resulting in death. In that scenario, the case would likely be classified as non-intentional homicide due to negligence, similar to a fatal fall caused by a shove.
The investigation hinges on determining if the collision was a standard part of the game or an act of aggression. The prosecutor described the potential legal classification as a homicide without intent to kill, distinct from a deliberate act of violence. The final determination will rest with the Sports Discipline Committee, which will evaluate the specific mechanics of the play and the goalkeeper's actions.
De Miguel’s death marks a rare instance of a player dying during a professional match in Spain. The police and prosecutors are coordinating to review video evidence and medical records from the hospital. The case remains active as authorities await the formal ruling from the sporting body responsible for enforcing discipline in the league.
Source: El Diario La Prensa
