Tragedy as young rising football star Marco Angulo dies aged 22 following fatal car crash in Ecuador

Ecuador international Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 following injuries sustained in a devastating car crash.

Angulo is the third person to have died following the crash in Ecuador's capital city Quito on October 7.

Independiente Juniors footballer Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Victor Charcopa Nazareno had died last month.

Angulo had been rushed to hospital and underwent surgery to release pressure inside his head.

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

Ecuadorian footballer Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 following a car crash

Angulo won the league title and Copa Sudamericana at former club Independiente del Valle

The footballer had been in a car which struck a metal structure on the Ruminahui highway in Quito at around 4:30am.

Angulo had been playing at Ecuadorian side LDU Quito, the country's reigning champions.

The midfielder had joined the club in March on loan from FC Cincinnati.

LDU Quito have paid an emotional tribute to the 22-year-old in a statement, which confirmed his death.

'With deep pain and sadness, we regret to report the death of our beloved player Marco Angulo,' the club said.

'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.'

Angulo had represented the Ecuadorian national team on two occasions during his career.

He made his debut for the national team in 2022 and made his final appearance in a 2-1 win over Australia last year.

Angulo had represented Ecuador at the Under-17 World Cup before earning two senior caps

'The Ecuadorian Football Federation expresses its deepest regret for the death of: Marco Angulo former La Tri player, who with his talent and dedication defended the colours of our country at every opportunity he had,' an Ecuadorian Football Federation statement read.

'Marco was not only an outstanding player, but also a great teammate.

'He leaves a deep pain in our hearts, especially in all of us who shared countless trips, training camps and matches with him.

'We join in solidarity with his family, teammates and loved ones, wishing them strength in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Angulito.'

Angulo had begun his career at Independiente del Valle, where he won the Ecuadorian league title, the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Ecuador.

He joined FC Cincinnati in a reported £2.3m move in January 2023.

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