Jesus Owono says he is going through ‘enormous pain’ and ‘the most difficult days of my life’ following the death of Jesus de Miguel.
Tenerife striker Miguel was pronounced dead on Tuesday morning less than 24 hours after suffering serious head and chest injuries as a result of a challenge from Andorra goalkeeper Owono during a Spanish second division match. Miguel subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest.
Owono, who was sent off for the collision, struck the 30-year-old near the halfway line as he raced from his goal and attempted to clear the ball to stop a Tenerife counter-attack.
Owono was walking off the field after being shown the red card but turned around and joined the other players rushing to check on De Miguel – who had collapsed.
The goalkeeper’s Instagram account, which had nearly 30,000 followers, had been deactivated on Tuesday.
Jesus Owono statement on Jesus de Miguel’s death
However, in a statement through Andorra on Wednesday, Owono broke his silence publicly.
‘These are the most difficult days of my life,’ the 25-year-old began. ‘I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened.
‘I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.
‘I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are all experiencing.
‘Rest in peace, Jesus.’
Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely, noting that the collision occurred during play.
The match at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium was subsequently abandoned at 2-2 in the Segunda Division following the incident.
De Miguel initially curled on his knees, clutching his torso for a few seconds, before he fell over onto his back, with his arms falling to his sides.
On Monday night, De Miguel’s condition was described as ‘stable but serious’ as he was placed in the intensive care unit of the Hospital Universitario de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz. However, his condition worsened on Tuesday morning and he was pronounced dead.
Tenerife ‘overflowing with sadness’ at Jesus de Miguel’s death
In a heartbreaking statement on Tuesday morning, Tenerife expressed their devastation at De Miguel’s passing.
‘Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing, this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,’ their statement began.
‘There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness. We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of tinerfenismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome.
‘The family of Jesús de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments.’
Andorra’s statement
Following the news of his death, Andorra released their own statement expressing their sadness and condolences on Tuesday.
‘We are deeply shocked today by the death of Jesús de Miguel. And the first thing we want to do is express our most sincere condolences to his family, CD Tenerife and all those who were close to him.
‘We know that no words can ease such pain, but we want them to know that we are by their side and that we deeply share their sadness.
‘We also want to convey all our support to CD Tenerife, its players, its coaching staff, its workers and its fans. We are deeply affected by what has happened and we share the pain that the club is experiencing. From the very beginning we have maintained contact with them and we are at their disposal for anything they may need.
‘We are also in contact with LaLiga, the Government of Andorra and the corresponding bodies to offer all our collaboration and the necessary support in these difficult times. We have also requested the postponement of the next match against RCD Mallorca, because we consider that these are moments of deep pain in which respect and support for all those affected must prevail.
‘What has happened has had a huge emotional impact on our players, the coaching staff and everyone at FC Andorra. These are particularly difficult times for everyone and we want to make sure that no one has to face them alone. That is why the club is providing psychological support to anyone who needs it.
‘We are a team, on and off the field. Now more than ever, we need to be together, support each other and take care of each other.
‘Today, all of football and all of sport are in mourning. These are moments of deep sadness in which we must stay united, support those who need it most and show the utmost respect.
‘Our most sincere condolences to Jesús’ family and to the entire CD Tenerife.
‘Rest in peace, Jesus.’
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