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Football

12th Nov 2024

Ecuador footballer Marco Angulo, 22, dies one month after car accident

Zoe Hodges

He passed away from his injuries on Tuesday.

Ecuador International footballer Marco Angulo has died from his injuries following a car crash at the age of 22.

Angulo was involved in a collision in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, on October 7.

He was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery to release pressure inside his head resulting from the trauma.

He had also sustained a lung contusion which required a chest tube.

Angulo had won three caps for the Ecuador national team and was playing for LDU Quito, currently on loan from MLS team FC Cincinnati.

Messages of love and support have flooded in for Angulo in the intervening 35 days, but it was announced earlier today that he had succumbed to his injuries.

Independiente Juniors defender Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Victor Charcopa Nazareno, the cousin of Cuniburo Futbol Club star Diogo Nazareno, also died in the crash.

The three men were travelling in a Ford Explorer which is believed to have struck a metal structure on the Ruminahui highway in the southeast of Quito at around 4:30 am.

LDU Quito issued a statement which 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. Rest in peace.”

The former Independiente Juniors star made 16 appearances in all competitions for LDU Quito, the most recent of which came against Orense in Ecuador’s top flight on October 6 – the day before the crash.

Angulo was called up for Ecuador for the first time in November 2022 and made his international debut in a goalless draw with Iraq.

He won his third and final cap back in June as Ecuador beat Bolivia 3-1 in June.

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