Spanish Police Investigate Jesús de Miguel's Death
Spanish authorities have opened an investigation into the Tenerife striker's death, while prosecutors have addressed the potential legal consequences of the incident.
Spain's National Police have opened an investigation into the death of Jesús de Miguel, the CD Tenerife striker who passed away on Tuesday, November 3, at the age of 30, following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division match.
According to provincial police sources who spoke to EFE, the case is already under judicial supervision. Authorities will examine the circumstances of Monday's incident at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López, where De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest after a heavy collision while challenging for a loose ball.
The striker was taken to Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, where he remained in intensive care until his death. The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands explained that a judicial investigation is automatically opened whenever a death occurs from non-natural causes, whether as a result of an accident or other circumstances.
Could Jesús Owono Face Criminal Charges?
Santa Cruz de Tenerife's chief prosecutor, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, believes it is highly unlikely that criminal proceedings will be brought over the footballer's death because the collision occurred during normal play.
Speaking to EFE, the prosecutor explained that longstanding Spanish Supreme Court precedent distinguishes injuries sustained during sporting competition from deliberate assaults committed outside the course of play.
For that reason, authorities must first examine the referee's match report and the conclusions reached by the relevant sports disciplinary committee.
Investigators will need to assess the circumstances of the collision and determine whether any conduct could justify further legal action. The opening of an investigation does not mean Owono committed a crime, nor does it establish criminal responsibility on the goalkeeper's part.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
One of the main questions for the sports disciplinary authorities will be whether Owono's challenge constituted dangerous or excessively dangerous play, and whether there is any evidence that the goalkeeper intended to cause harm.
Sánchez-Jáuregui also explained that De Miguel's family could file a complaint if they disagree with the disciplinary findings. Depending on the evidence, such a complaint could potentially lead to an examination of negligent homicide, although the prosecutor considers criminal prosecution unlikely.
He emphasized that Spanish law generally does not treat injuries resulting from ordinary sporting actions as criminal offenses unless additional circumstances justify such a finding.
For now, no judicial ruling has established criminal responsibility on the part of the Andorra goalkeeper. The investigation remains open as Spanish football continues to mourn the death of Jesús de Miguel.
Jesús de Miguel Investigation: Key Facts
- Investigation: Spain's National Police have opened an inquiry under judicial supervision.
- Goalkeeper's legal status: No criminal responsibility has been established against Jesús Owono.
- Next steps: Authorities will review the referee's report, sporting disciplinary findings and evidence gathered during the judicial investigation.
