Marco Angulo, a budding star midfielder for FC Cincinnati and LDU Quito in his native Ecuador, died as a result of injuries 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 Oct. 7.
Angulo was left with serious head injuries and a lung contusion. He was placed in an artificial coma but died from the injuries on Monday night, the El Universo newspaper reported.
Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Víctor Charcopa Nazareno, both 22, were also killed in the crash.
“FC Cincinnati are heartbroken to share that Marco Angulo passed away Monday night after a battle with injuries sustained in an accident last month,” the team said Tuesday morning in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco — a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate. He was a joyful, kind young man who lit up every room he entered. Our entire club grieves this tragedy, and we are thinking of and praying for his family. He was a cherished member of the FC Cincinnati family, and he will be missed.
“Marco is survived by his wife and young son.”
Angulo previously played twice for Ecuador’s national team, appearing most recently in their March 2023 2-1 win over Australia.
“With profound pain and sadness, we regret to inform the passing 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 in our hearts.”
Club captain Ezequiel Piovi added on Instagram: “May you rest in peace.”
Angulo had also been a valuable substitute for FC Cincinnati and was expected to carry the same role for LDU Quito.
He played in 18 matches in 2024 with no goals or assists on his record.
— With AP
