The preliminary cause of death of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel has been revealed following the devastating collision that occurred during a second-division match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra.

The 30-year-old striker died on November 3, one day after suffering a severe impact to his chest during the closing moments of the match. A preliminary autopsy report has now identified accidental chest trauma as a cause consistent with his death.

The findings provide the first medical explanation for the tragedy, although additional forensic tests remain outstanding. Meanwhile, a judicial investigation is examining not only the collision itself but also the emergency medical treatment De Miguel received after collapsing on the pitch.

PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY IDENTIFIES CHEST TRAUMA
According to reports from Spanish media, forensic specialists at the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Santa Cruz de Tenerife determined that De Miguel suffered accidental thoracic trauma.

The preliminary report described the chest injury as compatible with the cause of death.

The document was submitted to the investigating magistrate on Wednesday, November 4. However, the examination is not yet complete.

Additional laboratory results, including toxicology testing, are still pending. Medical records and imaging examinations carried out during his hospitalization are also expected to form part of the final assessment.

The complete autopsy findings have not been made public, with judicial authorities maintaining confidentiality out of respect for De Miguel and his family.

The preliminary conclusion is an important development, but it should not be confused with a final judicial determination about responsibility for the incident.

THE COLLISION THAT ENDED THE MATCH
The incident happened on Monday, November 2, during Tenerife’s home match against FC Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.

The match was tied 2-2 when play entered stoppage time.

De Miguel was chasing a long ball toward the opposition goal when Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono came out of his penalty area to challenge for possession.

The two players collided, with Owono’s raised knee striking De Miguel in the chest.

The Tenerife forward immediately collapsed and lost consciousness.

Players from both teams rushed toward him and called for medical assistance. Medical personnel entered the pitch and began emergency treatment.

Owono was shown a straight red card and sent off.

The referee eventually abandoned the match as the seriousness of the medical emergency became clear.

CARDIAC ARREST AND A DESPERATE FIGHT TO SAVE HIM
De Miguel suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest following the collision.

Medical personnel managed to restore his pulse before transporting him by ambulance to Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

He was admitted to intensive care.

Initial updates from CD Tenerife offered some hope, indicating that he was stable and able to breathe without mechanical assistance. However, he remained unconscious and in critical condition.

During the early hours of Tuesday, the club announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated.

At approximately 8 a.m. on November 3, De Miguel was pronounced dead.

He was 30 years old.

INVESTIGATION NOW EXAMINES THE MEDICAL RESPONSE
The preliminary autopsy has not ended the investigation.

Spanish police and judicial authorities are also examining the emergency response following the collision.

Investigators are reviewing the treatment provided on the pitch, the time taken to transfer De Miguel to the ambulance and the medical procedures carried out during transportation to hospital.

Questions surrounding the use of oxygen, defibrillation and other emergency interventions have also been raised in media reports.

These matters are being examined as part of the wider inquiry. Their inclusion does not establish that medical negligence occurred.

The objective is to reconstruct the complete timeline, from the moment of impact through the emergency treatment and hospital admission.

The final forensic report and medical records are expected to help investigators understand the relationship between the chest injury, the cardiac arrest and his subsequent death.

WHAT DOES THE JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION MEAN FOR THE GOALKEEPER?
The incident initially prompted a homicide investigation by Spain’s National Police, with proceedings placed under judicial supervision.

However, the opening of a judicial investigation does not automatically mean that Owono faces criminal charges.

Spanish prosecutors have indicated that criminal proceedings arising from an accidental collision during a sporting contest would be difficult to establish. The circumstances of the challenge, the referee’s report and the findings of sporting disciplinary authorities will all be relevant.

The referee’s official report described Owono’s challenge as involving a high leg and excessive force while disputing the ball.

That description may have disciplinary consequences, but it does not by itself establish criminal intent or legal responsibility for De Miguel’s death.

The investigation must distinguish between a sporting infringement, an accidental injury and conduct that could potentially carry criminal consequences.

OWONO BREAKS HIS SILENCE
The goalkeeper has also spoken publicly following the tragedy.

In a statement released through FC Andorra, Owono described the past few days as the most difficult of his life.

He expressed profound sadness over De Miguel’s passing and said his thoughts were with the striker’s family and everyone who loved him.

He also acknowledged that there would be questions to address and said he would face them with respect.

Owono had faced abusive messages online after the collision, with reports that he deactivated his Instagram account.

The reaction has highlighted the emotional impact of the tragedy on both clubs and the need to allow the investigation to establish the facts without assuming guilt before its conclusions.

A FUNERAL AND FINAL TRIBUTES
De Miguel’s funeral was scheduled for Thursday, November 5, in Navahermosa, in Spain’s Toledo province, where his parents live.

His partner María and their one-year-old daughter Carla were reportedly present at the stadium when the collision occurred.

CD Tenerife players, coaching staff and club officials were expected to attend the funeral and pay their final respects.

Supporters had also left flowers, candles and messages outside the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.

Clubs across Spain and Europe paid tribute to the striker, while UEFA called for moments of silence before matches.

A CAREER CUT SHORT AT 30
Born in Madrid in 1996, De Miguel built his career through several Spanish clubs, including Leganés B, Inter Madrid, Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero and Unionistas de Salamanca.

He later joined CD Castellón, where he became an important part of the team’s promotion campaign in the 2023-24 season, scoring 16 goals.

He moved to Tenerife in 2025 and helped the club secure promotion to Spain’s second division.

His death has left teammates, supporters and the wider football community mourning a player whose professional career was still developing.

THE FINAL MEDICAL REPORT IS STILL AWAITED
The preliminary autopsy has identified accidental chest trauma as the cause consistent with De Miguel’s death, but important questions remain.

Forensic specialists must complete additional testing, while investigators continue examining the collision and the medical response that followed.

The judicial inquiry has not established criminal responsibility, and the goalkeeper’s conduct must be assessed through the appropriate sporting and legal processes.

For now, the football world is remembering Jesús de Miguel not for the final moments of his life, but for the career, teammates and family he leaves behind.

He was 30 years old.