Mexican football has been hit with a tragic loss after FC Juarez’s 28-year-old striker Diego Chavez passed away in a car crash.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the club confirmed on social media.
According to reports, Chavez was left trapped in his car after losing control and colliding with a sign. The Mexican club released a statement on Facebook paying tribute to the forward.
The statement read: “With deep sadness we inform the entire FC Juárez community that our player Diego “El Puma” Chávez died early this morning on February 14 in a car accident.
“During his time at FC Juárez, El Puma was characterised by his joy, enthusiasm, simplicity, and willingness, as well as his spirit of dedication and love for our colours.”
Chavez, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘The Puma’, made 46 appearances for Juarez, netting three times in the process after joining the Mexican first division side in February of last year, following a spell in Peru with Carlos A. Manucci.
Fans have been left heartbroken by the news with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Chavez.
One fan wrote: “Rest in peace Puma and may light always shine on you!”
A second added: “Rest in peace Puma, you always played every game with a lot of energy. Always Bravo!”
A third wrote: “Rest in peace Puma. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your love for this team!”
And a fourth commented: “What a great shame. He was a player who defended our shirt with great pride. Rest in peace dear Diego.”
As FC Juarez are scheduled to face Club Puebla on Saturday in the league, it has not yet been known if the game will still go ahead. The football world mourns the loss of a beloved, passionate player whose dedication and love for the game touched many lives.
