Footballer Dies in Tragic Crash After Reportedly Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Three Killed

• A footballer has passed away after being involved in a tragic accident on Sunday, August 24, 2025
• The midfielder died at the age of 26, with two other men, aged between 30 and 34, also involved in the horrific incident
• The player's current club and the fans shared condolence messages to the family and loved ones of the dead on social media

The football community has been thrown into mourning once again this year as a promising footballer tragically died alongside two others in a devastating car crash, with early reports suggesting the driver might have fallen asleep at the wheel.

The horror incident occurred on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in a traffic accident in the province of Esmeraldas, located on the northern border with Colombia, leaving the local community and football world in shock.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, all three victims involved in the crash were pronounced dead.

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Tributes pour in as Olmedo passes away at 26

Tributes poured in on social media as Marcos Olmedo was confirmed dead at the age of 26 after being involved in a horrific car accident.

The former El Nacional star reportedly killed two other men, aged between 30 and 34 years old, with CCTV footage showing the moment a pickup truck veered across the solid white edge line before crashing at high speed into an oncoming car.

Olmedo joined Mushuc Runa this year and played a part in their Copa Sudamericana group stage phase before passing away.

Mushuc Runa released an official statement on their X handle to announce Olmedo's death and also paid condolences to his family and loved ones:

“With deep sorrow, we regret to announce the passing of our beloved player, Marcos Olmedo. Our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief. Rest in peace, Marcos,” Mushuc Runa's statement reads on X.

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The midfielder left behind his wife, Evelyn Clavijo, and their three-year-old son, Lemarcus. The news of his death comes after the passing of former Orlando Pirates star Tendai Ndoro and a Lagos-born AFCON star, Razak Omotoyossi.

Fans and football lovers also paid tribute to the Ecuadorian midfielder after his passing went viral on social media.

pochoharbEC said:

"I mourn the passing of a young Ecuadorian dedicated to sports, Marcos Olmedo. May God grant strength to his family and teammates, and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom. There are several individuals linked to sports, whether active or having completed their sporting careers, who have suffered fatal car accidents: Abel Jimenez Parra, Luis "loco" Larrea, Mario Mora, Jimmy Izquierdo, Carlos Muñoz, Otilino Tenorio, Enrique "chino" Aguirre, Hans Maldonado, Germán Panta, Marco Ángulo, and now Marcos Olmedo. As Arístides Castro used to say, "sports also have a heart," and now the heart of sports is once again in mourning. Rest in peace, Marcos Olmedo."

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XaviSimbana10 wrote:

"Thank you so much, Marcos! You always defended these colors with pride, the fans will always remember you ✨."

cedelatorre shared:

"A pity for the young man with so much to learn, it hurts that a life is extinguished so young, may the Lord have him in His Glory and give peace to his family."

JahazielOrtiz8 reacted:

"What a shock, friend, how fleeting life is. Thank you for so much, Pulpo, thank you very much."

ZuletaQuedate added:

"I don't know what to say, may he rest in peace, the world lost a great player with great talent. The Ecuador Cup is yours Marcos. Thank you for everything."

SA footballer collapse, dies on pitch

Briefly News also reported that a SA footballer tragically collapsed and died after a league match at the Verulam Recreational Grounds on Todd Street in KwaZulu-Natal.

Witnesses said the player appeared fit and in good form during the match, leaving teammates surprised when he later complained of breathing difficulties.

Source: Briefly News