Collision at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez
Jesus de Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for CD Tenerife, died at 8am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. The incident occurred in the 96th minute of a second division match against FC Andorra at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, a game that officials moved 24 hours earlier to avoid the risk of torrential rain on the island. The match was tied at 2-2 with seven minutes of added time remaining when the incident occurred. De Miguel chased a long ball into space near the centre circle. The collision occurred when Owono ran to the centre circle to clear a long ball, and his knee struck De Miguel in the chest, which left the attacking player unconscious. Owono received a direct red card immediately. Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez eventually abandoned the match in the 108th minute. Medics managed to restore De Miguel’s pulse in the ambulance before they transferred him to the Hospital Universitario de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz. Players from both sides appealed for medical assistance while De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch.
Neurological decline and club grief
Tenerife reported that De Miguel entered intensive care on Monday afternoon and remained in a critical condition. Media reports from BBC and Marca described his health as stable but grave. While the club initially stated he was stable and could breathe unassisted, his condition worsened neurologically at 5am on Tuesday. He passed away three hours later at 8am. CD Tenerife released a statement at 9:31am expressing they were "broken by pain, with a lump in the throat and unable to believe that this is true". The club stated there are "no words of consolation" for his devastated family and everyone associated with Tenerife. His family requested maximum respect for their privacy during these terrible moments. As the team mourned, several of De Miguel’s teammates cried on the pitch while medical staff worked to stabilize him. FC Andorra sent condolences on social media, writing that they were "with the heart broken and devastated" for his family, teammates, and the club. The medical team worked to restore his pulse in the ambulance during the journey from the stadium to the hospital in Santa Cruz.
Professional career and footballing responses
De Miguel played much of his career in Spain’s third tier for clubs including Leganes B, Inter Madrid, Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero, Unionistas de Salamanca, and Castellon. He scored the most goals for Castellon as they gained promotion to the second division in 2024, before he joined Tenerife in 2025. He defended the Castellon shirt with pride and celebrated goals with the fans in the SkyFi Castalia. Castellon noted that he was part of a history that their fan base will never forget. Barcelona and Real Madrid sent messages of support to his family and loved ones. Barcelona stated their thoughts and support are with his family, friends, and loved ones, while Real Madrid sent condolences and affection to his family, teammates, his club, and all his loved ones. Gerard Pique, who holds a majority share in Andorra, wrote on social media, "I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus." Castellon expressed grief on Instagram, saying it is hard to find words when reality hits in such an unjust way. The Spanish football federation postponed all Tuesday matches in the Copa del Rey and the Copa de la Reina as a mark of respect.
