Tragedy as Footballer Dies After ‘Falling Asleep at Wheel’, Kills 2 Others
- A 26-year-old football star has been plunged into mourning after tragedy struck over the weekend
- The sudden loss of the mercurial midfielder has left his club, teammates, and supporters in deep shock and sorrow
- Across the country, tributes are being shared as the football community unites to honor his memory and mourn his passing
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A football star has sadly lost his life following a devastating head-on car crash.
Marcos Olmedo, who featured in five Copa Libertadores appearances, died on the morning of Sunday, August 24.
Source: Twitter
Two other men, aged 30 and 34, were also killed in the accident, which involved two vehicles.
CCTV footage revealed a pickup truck veering across the solid white edge line before smashing at high speed into an oncoming car.
The tragic collision happened on the E20 highway in Quinindé, Ecuador, according to reports from Daily Star.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the victims.
Olmedo's wife pays tribute
Olmedo, originally from Guayaquil, was a devoted father to a three-year-old boy named Lemarcus, whom he shared with his wife, Evelyn Clavijo.
In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, Evelyn expressed her grief and paid tribute to her late husband, describing the pain of losing him and the void left behind.
“Everyone who knew Marcos Olmedo understands the kind of man he was. He always reminded me that we must give what is truly needed, not just what we have left to spare.
Now it is my responsibility to raise our son and provide him with everything Marcos dreamed of for him—an education, a safe home, strong values, and guidance in the word of God.
Marcos could never trust anyone else with his firstborn, so I dedicated myself fully to caring for our little boy, Lemarcus. With my heart shattered into a thousand pieces, I write these words in pain.
How do I go on without you, love of my life? How can I explain this unbearable loss to our son? My soul aches, torn apart by your absence. Rest in peace, my beautiful love.”
Mushuc Runa mourns Marcos Olmedo
Olmedo had only played four matches for top-flight side Mushuc Runa SC after joining the Ambato-based club in June.
In a heartfelt post on X, accompanied by a black ribbon in tribute to the late midfielder, Mushuc Runa wrote:
“With deep sorrow we regret to inform you of the death of our beloved player Marcos Olmedo.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this time of great sorrow. Rest in peace Marcos.”
beIN Sports reported that Olmedo was included in Mushuc Runa’s matchday squad for their home fixture against CD Macará, one of his former teams, on Saturday, August 23, but he did not take to the field and stayed on the bench.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Olmedo launched his professional career in 2017 and built a résumé across some of Ecuador’s top clubs, notably LDU Quito and CD El Nacional. His lone career goal came in 2024 while wearing the colours of El Nacional.
Source: Twitter
El Nacional honoured the late midfielder with a heartfelt message, remembering him as a true fighter who etched his name in the club’s history by helping deliver long-awaited success after nearly two decades.
Olmedo also showcased his talent on the continental stage, featuring in five Copa Libertadores matches across 2024 and 2025.
During his career, he celebrated three significant triumphs: lifting the Copa Sudamericana in 2023 and the LigaPro Serie A with LDU Quito, as well as the Copa Ecuador in 2024 with El Nacional.
Officials have since confirmed that investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing.
Olmedo's crash comes barely a month after another footballer was also involved in a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of his pregnant wife and their unborn child.
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The tragedy reportedly occurred around 4 pm on Saturday, July 26, in Poland, when a speeding BMW rammed into the rear of Kevin Ricardo Sanchez Garcia’s Fiat Seicento.
The force of the impact propelled the UKS Czułowianka Tychy player’s car into another vehicle ahead, leaving it completely wrecked.
Two footballers killed in tunnel car crash
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that two 19-year-old footballers have died in a tragic tunnel crash that also left their teammate critically injured.
Danilo Boz and Fabio Rosa played for ASD Calcio Maniago Vajont in Italy’s sixth-tier Promozione league. The duo were killed instantly from their injuries after the collision, which occurred while travelling home from training.
Source: YEN.com.gh
