LeBron James has paid tribute to Liverpool FC footballer Diogo Jota who tragically passed away on Wednesday evening in a car accident in Spain.
Jota had been travelling with his brother when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout, causing them to veer off the road and catch fire, Spanish police have stated. Both men were killed at the scene, with the fire causing damage so severe police couldn't identify them.
The NBA superstar, who holds a minority stake in the English club, has frequently crossed the Atlantic to support the recent Premier League champions. Upon hearing the tragic news, James tweeted: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA! !".
The news was reported by several outlets in the early hours of Thursday, before being confirmed by the football club in a heart-wrenching statement.
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the club announced, reports the Mirror US. "The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."
Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28
Diogo Jota tragically died at the age of 28
Jota had recently wed his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. The football world is mourning after the tragic passing of Liverpool's beloved Diogo Jota, with tributes pouring in from figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Gary Neville.
A poignant statement released on Pedro Proença's verified Facebook page by the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the harrowing news: "The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain.
"Much more than just a fantastic player, who played almost 50 times for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played respectively.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence this Thursday, before our team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."