Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28, according to reports from Portuguese media. The Portuguese international was reportedly travelling with his younger brother, André Jota, a 26-year-old footballer, when the fatal crash occurred.
The incident happened along the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, in the province of Zamora, Castilla y León. Emergency services in the region confirmed the crash and subsequent vehicle fire.
According to a statement from emergency responders:
“The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to be on fire following a serious collision.”
Authorities dispatched the Zamora Traffic Police, the Provincial Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center to the scene. Medical teams from the Mombuey Health Center and a Medical Emergency Unit confirmed the deaths of both occupants at the scene.
The tragedy comes just two weeks after Diogo Jota celebrated his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in Porto.
Liverpool FC and the football community worldwide are yet to officially confirm the devastating news.