FC Cincinnati midfielder Marco Angulo died Monday, November 11, a month after suffering critical injuries in a car crash in his native Ecuador. He was 22.
The Ecuadorian Football Association announced his death on Tuesday, November 12.
Angulo was a passenger in a single-car crash southeast of Quito on October 7 that also resulted in the death of his former youth team teammate Roberto Cabezas.
Angulo sustained a head injury and lung contusion and had been put in an artificial coma. He died at a hospital in Quito on Monday night after a week in intensive care.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco — a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate. He was a joyful, kind young man who lit up every room he entered,” FC Cincinnati said in a team statement.
“Our entire club grieves this tragedy, and we are thinking of and praying for his family. He was a cherished member of the FC Cincinnati family, and he will be missed.”
Forever in our hearts. 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/2Nqe6Og04B
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) November 12, 2024
Angulo had been playing for Ecuadorean league champions LDU Quito since March, on loan from the Major League Soccer side Cincinnati.
He was part of Cincinnati’s 2023 team that won the Supporters’ Shield, paying in 24 matches (nine starts) and posting two assists.
Angulo made his senior debut for the South American nation in 2022 and had earned two caps.
“Former player of La Tri, who defended our country’s colors with talent and dedication at every opportunity. Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great teammate,” the Ecuadorean FA said on Tuesday.
Angulo is survived by his wife and young son.
According to Ecuadorean media reports, three people, including Angulo, died out of the five in the vehicle during the crash. – Rappler.com