The death of Jesús de Miguel, CD Tenerife forward, has opened a police investigation to clarify the circumstances of the collision he suffered with FC Andorra goalkeeper, Jesús Owono, during a Second Division match played this Monday.
The National Police has initiated proceedings for a possible crime of reckless homicide after the 30-year-old footballer died this Tuesday at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, in Tenerife. The incident took place in the last minutes of the match, played at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium. During an action in which both players were disputing the ball, the Andorra goalkeeper came out of his goal and collided with the Tenerife forward.
After the blow, De Miguel suffered cardiorespiratory arrest on the field of play. Medical services managed to revive him and he was urgently transferred to the hospital, where he remained admitted until his death. The referee of the match showed a direct red card to Owono for the action and the match ended suspended with a two-goal draw.
Why is the Police investigating Jesús Owono after the death of Jesús de Miguel?
The National Police, through the Homicide Group of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has opened proceedings to clarify what happened during the match and determine the circumstances of the footballer's death.
According to the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC), when a death occurs due to unnatural causes, such as an accident, a judicial investigation is initiated ex officio. Therefore, the opening of these proceedings does not imply that there is a formal accusation against the goalkeeper or that his responsibility in the death has been proven.
Investigators will have to analyze the circumstances of the collision and gather the necessary information to prepare a report that will be sent to the judicial authority. The investigation will have to determine whether the action occurred within the inherent risks of a football play or if there could have been conduct that has criminal relevance.
The judicial investigation and the possible sporting consequences for the Andorra goalkeeper
The death of Jesús de Miguel may also have consequences in the sports field. Owono was sent off during the match for the action against the Tenerife striker and now the play must be analyzed according to the disciplinary regulations.
The case presents two different paths. On the one hand, the police and judicial investigation seeks to clarify whether there was any type of criminal responsibility in the death. On the other hand, sports organizations must assess the goalkeeper's intervention and decide whether to impose a sanction for his performance on the field of play. The opening of proceedings for reckless homicide does not automatically imply that the goalkeeper will be convicted. To establish possible criminal responsibility, it will be necessary to study the evidence and determine whether there was a legally relevant recklessness.
Meanwhile, the death of Jesús de Miguel has caused numerous expressions of condolence in the world of football. Tenerife and other clubs, players and sports representatives have extended their condolences to the family and close friends of the striker.
