Jesus de Miguel dies after on-pitch collision as cardiologist explains ‘commotio cordis’

CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel has died after suffering cardiac and respiratory arrest following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Ono during their match on Monday.

The game was stopped after the incident, with the 30-year-old taken by ambulance to the intensive care unit at Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria University Hospital.

CD Tenerife confirmed his death in a statement released at 08:00 on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

“With broken hearts, a lump in our throats and an inability to believe what has happened, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death of our player Jesus de Miguel Alameda, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at exactly eight o’clock,” the club said.

Medical staff began resuscitation attempts on the pitch after the forward was struck in the chest. He was then taken to hospital, where the club later reported a deterioration in his neurological condition before announcing his death several hours afterwards.

What is commotio cordis?

The possible cause of de Miguel’s cardiac arrest has prompted discussion, with cardiologist Araidani Cardenas Leon publishing a video explaining the condition he believes may have affected the player.

According to the cardiologist, the available indications point to “commotio cordis”. He described it as an event that occurs when a direct, non-penetrating blow to the chest lands at a very specific point in the heart’s electrical cycle.

The impact can happen during ventricular repolarisation, within a window of no more than 20 milliseconds. That can trigger a fatal disturbance of the heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation.

Cardenas Leon said the condition does not require an existing heart problem or an exceptionally powerful blow. It can affect young, healthy athletes with no previous cardiac condition and is commonly associated with sport.

The impact may come from a ball or another hard object, or from contact with another athlete. In de Miguel’s case, the cardiologist said the striker was struck in the chest by the Andorra goalkeeper’s right knee.

He also referred to American football player Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest “after receiving a strong blow to the chest during an NFL game”.

The cardiologist stressed that the immediate priority in such incidents is to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use a defibrillator as quickly as possible. Those measures should be carried out at the scene, on the pitch, before the injured player is moved elsewhere.

CD Tenerife’s listed Segunda Division fixture against Andorra is scheduled for 8 November 2026, when Mallorca are also listed as opponents. CD Badajoz are listed to play in the Copa del Rey on 4 November 2026.