Midfielder Marco Angulo of Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati dies at just 22 years old, a month after suffering head injuries and a lung contusion in a car accident.

FC Cincinnati midfielder Marco Angulo died on Monday, November 11, a month after suffering critical injuries in a car accident in his native Ecuador. He was 22 years old.

The Ecuadorian Football Association announced his death on Tuesday, November 12.

Angulo was a passenger in a car accident southeast of Quito on October 7 that also resulted in the death of his former youth teammate Roberto Cabezas.

Angulo suffered a head injury and a lung contusion and was placed in an artificial coma. He died in a Quito hospital on Monday night after a week in intensive care.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco: husband and father, brother and son, friend and teammate. “He was a cheerful and kind young man who lit up every room he entered,” FC Cincinnati said in a team statement.

“Our entire club mourns this tragedy and we are thinking and praying for his family. “He was a beloved member of the FC Cincinnati family and will be missed.”

Forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/2Nqe6Og04B

— FC Cincinnati (@fccicinnati) November 12, 2024

Angulo had been playing for Ecuadorian league champion LDU Quito since March, on loan from Major League Soccer side Cincinnati.

He was part of the 2023 Cincinnati team that won the Supporters’ Shield, paying in 24 games (nine starts) and posting two assists.

Angulo made his senior debut for the South American nation in 2022 and had made two international appearances.

“Former La Tri player, who defended the colors of our country with talent and dedication at every opportunity. “Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great teammate,” the Ecuadorian Football Federation said on Tuesday.

Angulo is survived by his wife and young son.

According to Ecuadorian media reports, three people, including Angulo, died during the accident out of the five who were in the vehicle. – Rappler.com