The world of football has just received shocking news: Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota has passed away at the age of 28, after a horrific traffic accident that occurred in the early morning of July 3 (local time) in Spain. Jota’s younger brother, Andre Felipe, 26, also did not survive this heartbreaking incident.
The initial cause of the accident has also been revealed. According to BBC Sport, the accident occurred when the two Jota brothers were driving a Lamborghini at high speed on the A-52 highway, through the city of Cernadilla, Zamora province.
While overtaking another vehicle, a tire suddenly exploded, causing the car to lose control, veer off the road, flip several times before bursting into flames. The two victims were unable to escape and died in the car. Their identities were only confirmed through the license plate.
Sky Sports News quoted a representative of the Guardia Civil – the Spanish civil protection force – as confirming: “The accident occurred at 00:30 a.m. at km 65, on the A-52 road. The car left the road after a tire burst while overtaking another vehicle. As a result, the car caught fire and both people inside died. One of the two victims was identified as Diogo Jota, a player for Liverpool FC, and the other was his brother, Andre Felipe.”
The Zamora Provincial Council also issued an official statement: “Two young people died in an accident on the A-52, Palacios de Sanabria. The Rionegro del Puente fire brigade responded quickly. The car caught fire and the fire spread to the surrounding vegetation. The victims were 28 and 26 years old. Our deepest condolences. RIP.”
Civil Police, Emergency Medical Services and local fire brigades were immediately on the scene. However, all rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
The tragedy occurred just days after Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22. The couple had three children together: a 7-month-old daughter and two boys aged 2 and 4.
The sudden passing of Diogo Jota leaves a huge void not only in the hearts of Liverpool and Portuguese fans, but also in world football. This is an irreparable loss for his family, friends and fans around the world.