NBA star LeBron James has paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool forward passed away in a car crash
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
NBA icon and Liverpool supporter LeBron James has paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Reds forward passed away in a car accident. Jota was said to have been travelling in the Zamora region of Spain alongside his brother, Andre Silva, when the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.
It was reported by the Zamora provincial council that a vehicle caught fire, which led firefighters responding to the incident on the A52, which is also known as the Palacios de Sanabria. It's understood that a tyre blow-out was the cause of the accident, with Zamora News reporting that the emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 1am on Thursday morning.
In the hours since the news of Jota's passing emerged, many messages and tributes have been sent to honour the Liverpool star. Basketball icon James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who is also a Reds fan and stakeholder in Fenway Sports Group, has issued a message to offer his condolences.
"My prayers goes out to his [Jota] loved ones during this time," wrote James on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!"
Liverpool also issued their own statement paying tribute to Jota and his brother Andre, while also calling for respect to be shown to their families and loved ones.
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the statement from Liverpool read.
"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."