FC Cincinnati star Marco Angulo died at the age of 22 after a car accident

Marco Angulo, a rising star midfielder for FC Cincinnati and LDU Quito in his native Ecuador, died as a result of injuries he sustained in a car accident last month.

He was 22.

The defensive midfielder was on loan from Cincinnati of the MLS.

Angulo was a passenger in a car that crashed into a metal barrier in Ecuador on October 7.

Angulo suffered serious head injuries and a bruised lung. He was placed in an induced coma but died of his injuries on Monday evening, El Universo newspaper reported.

Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Víctor Charcopa Nazareno, both 22, also died in the crash.

“FC Cincinnati is heartbroken to announce that Marco Angulo passed away Monday evening following serious injuries sustained in an accident last month,” the team said in a statement Tuesday morning.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco – a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate. He was a cheerful, friendly young man who lit up every room he entered. Our entire club mourns this tragedy and we are thinking and praying for his family. He was a valued member of the FC Cincinnati family and we will miss him.

“Marco leaves behind his wife and his young son.”

Angulo has previously played for the Ecuadorian national team twice, most recently in a 2-1 win against Australia in March 2023.

“It is with deep pain and great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved player Marco Angulo,” LDU Quito said in a statement posted on social media.

“His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark on our hearts.”

Club captain Ezequiel Piovi added on Instagram: “May you rest in peace.”

Angulo had also been a valuable backup player for FC Cincinnati and was expected to fill the same role for LDU Quito.

He played in 18 games in 2024, with no goals or assists on his record.

— With AP