Diogo Jota tribute image after his car crash.
Image Credits: Getty Images
Football fans have been left reeling this morning after news emerged of a catastrophic road accident claiming the lives Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva
The 28-year-old Portuguese international was travelling on Spain’s A-52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria when his vehicle veered off course and ignited shortly after midnight, according to widespread reports.
The full extent of the tragedy only became clear following emergency responders’ grim confirmation that both Jota and his sibling had died at the scene.
The family, still celebrating Diogo’s marriage to long-term partner Rute Cardoso in Porto on June 22, now face unimaginable grief alongside the wider football community.
Our thoughts are with Diogo Jota’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Tributes have been pouring from the football community.
Local investigators have launched a formal inquiry into the circumstances of the crash, with further information expected in the coming days.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced as friends, teammates, and fans prepare to honor the legacy of a player whose talent and warmth endeared him to millions.
However, there is some preliminary information coming out of Spain at this early stage.
The Zamora Guardia (Civil Guard), in a statement to Sky Sports, have revealed that their initial suspicions is a burst tyre occurred while Jota and his brother was overtaking another car on the roadway:
“A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora,” the police statement read.
“A vehicle left the road and everything indicates tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.”
“Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe.”
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