The family of the late footballer Jesús de Miguel has spoken out publicly for the first time since his death. Ahead of the funeral for the 30-year-old forward in Navahermosa (Toledo), his relatives expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and requested that their privacy be respected during this time of mourning.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The CD Tenerife player died on Tuesday morning following a collision during the match against FC Andorra. The incident occurred on Monday evening, in the final minutes of the game at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium in Tenerife. De Miguel received initial medical attention on the pitch and was subsequently taken to the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, where he succumbed to his injuries despite the treatment provided.
Family expresses thanks for expressions of sympathy
The family’s statement was read out this Thursday by Manuel Hernández, the footballer’s representative, at the funeral home in Navahermosa. In it, the relatives expressed their gratitude for every message, phone call, and gesture of support.
Teammates, friends, fans, and clubs were also explicitly mentioned. The family stated that the outpouring of sympathy shows the impact Jesús had on so many people. At the same time, they requested that the privacy of the bereaved family and those close to them be respected.
“Jesús leaves behind a void that is impossible to fill, but also an immense legacy of memories,” the family stated in their message. They expressed a wish to process their grief in the necessary peace and privacy.
Farewell in the family’s homeland
Navahermosa has close ties to the footballer’s family. Jesús de Miguel’s parents and grandparents hail from this municipality in the province of Toledo, which has a population of around 3,500. The striker also spent time there during his childhood.
Early Thursday morning, his mortal remains were taken to the local funeral home. Numerous residents gathered there to offer their condolences to the family and to bid farewell to the footballer.
The funeral mass will take place at 3 p.m. at the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel. Afterward, De Miguel will be laid to rest in the local cemetery.
Three days of mourning in Navahermosa
The municipality has declared three official days of mourning following the death. The municipal council reached this decision unanimously during an extraordinary meeting. Throughout the mourning period, flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast.
CD Tenerife is also represented at the funeral. The first team, the coaching staff, and the club’s leadership have traveled to Navahermosa to offer their support to the family. Furthermore, the club is planning another farewell event for Saturday at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium in Tenerife.
Football world gathers to say goodbye
The funeral service turned into a major gathering for the Spanish football community. In addition to representatives from CD Tenerife, prominent figures and delegates from other clubs also traveled to Navahermosa to express their condolences to the family. Among those present were Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Emilio Butragueño, Atlético executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, and former national team player José Antonio Camacho, among others.
Luis de la Fuente, coach of the Spanish national team, also attended the funeral service. The high level of attendance underscored the significance that De Miguel held within Spanish football, extending well beyond his own club.
Investigation into the death continues
Alongside the farewell proceedings, an investigation into the precise circumstances of the death is ongoing. The competent court in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has received the preliminary autopsy report, the contents of which have not yet been made public. According to a preliminary assessment, a chest injury is considered a cause consistent with the death. Further investigations are intended to clarify, among other things, the nature of the collision on the playing field, as well as the medical care provided and the subsequent transport to the hospital.
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono was involved in the fateful collision. The contact is described as an accident. Following the death, Owono also spoke out publicly, describing these as the most difficult days of his life.
For Navahermosa, however, this Thursday is primarily about a personal farewell. According to his family, relatives, and friends, they wish for Jesús de Miguel to be remembered not just as a footballer, but as a person who left a lasting mark on many.
The family concluded their statement by thanking everyone who loved Jesús, remembered him, and supported them during these difficult days.
