Ecuador international footballer dies aged just 22 one month on from horror car crash

Ecuador international Marco Angulo died on Monday night after the 22-year-old was unable to recover from serious injuries he sustained in a car crash back in October

Ecuador star Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 after succumbing to injuries he sustained in a car crash.

The Liga de Quito midfielder, who was on loan from FC Cincinnati, was involved in a car crash on October 7 on the Ruminahui highway in southeastern Quito. Angulo was traveling with four other people when the car crashed into a 50-tonne metal structure.

He underwent a decompressive craniectomy to remove blood which relieved the pressure inside his head. Alongside the head injury Angulo also suffered a pulmonary contusion that required the placement of a chest tube. After the incident Angulo had been battling for his life but sadly died on Monday night as a result of his injuries.

Liga de Quito put out a statement that read: "With deep pain and sadness, we regret to report the death of our beloved player Marco Angulo. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark on our hearts."

Club captain Ezequiel Piovi said on Instagram: "May you rest in peace."

Angulo's death now means that the car crash has resulted in three people losing their lives. Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Victor Charcopa Nazareno, who were both footballers, also died.

Midfielder Angulo had only made his professional debut in 2020 but has already capped twice by Ecuador. His last appearance had come in a 2-1 win over Australia in March 2023.

Immediately after the car crash last month, a statement was put out thanking those who had supported the young player.

It read: "Marco Angulo's family express their sincere gratitude to the media and the community in general for the numerous displays of affection received in these difficult times. Marco still has a reserved prognosis and we respectfully request that the privacy of him and his loved ones be preservers in this circumstances."

FC Cincinnati added its own touch to the message, saying: "We're all with you, Marco."

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