An island in mourning: Tenerife processes death of De Miguel

What the report says

Tenerife and the wider Spanish football community are mourning striker Jesus de Miguel after he died from injuries sustained in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday, BBC Sport reported. The 30-year-old had become a popular figure at the club, with supporters remembering his role in Tenerife’s promotion to the second tier of Spanish football and his 11 goals in his first season.

At Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium, fans and residents have been gathering to leave flowers, candles, scarves, photographs, prayer cards and children’s drawings near the ground, especially around gate nine. BBC Sport described the stadium as a site of grief and reflection, with many people arriving in silence to pay tribute to the player where the incident took place.

The report said the loss has deeply affected supporters, club staff and local officials. Canary Islands education and sport minister Poli Suarez said the club was “broken” and confirmed the regional government’s support for De Miguel’s family, team and fans. He also said the death had become part of the islands’ sporting history because of both the circumstances and the affection De Miguel showed for the club and island.

BBC Sport also reported that another tribute is planned for Saturday at 18:00 GMT, when supporters are expected to gather again to honour him.