The world of soccer has lost an up-and-coming star defenseman to Ecuador's LDU Quito club team. Marco Angulo's death announced on Monday.
The defensive midfielder was on loan from Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati.
Angulo, 22, was driving his sister's Ford Explorer at 4:30 a.m. in October when the crash killed two other passengers. According to the Sun.
Angulo was reportedly traveling on the Luminawi Expressway when he collided with a 50-ton structure, causing immediate injuries.
He required a surgery known as a decompressive craniectomy, which required a large amount of blood, according to the report.
Angulo also suffered a pulmonary contusion, further complicating his recovery efforts.
Angulo was pronounced dead 35 days after the crash.
Roberto Cabezas Simistera and Victor Charcopa Nazareno, both 22, also died in the accident.
Angulo has played twice for the Ecuadorian national team, most recently in the 2-1 win over Australia in March 2023.
“With deep pain and sadness, we regret to announce the passing of our beloved player Marco Angulo,” LDU Quito said in a statement posted on social media.
“His departure is an irreparable loss and will leave an indelible mark on our hearts.”
“Rest in peace,” club captain Ezequiel Piovi wrote on Instagram.
Angulo was also a valuable substitute for FC Cincinnati and was expected to play the same role at LDU Quito.
The late 22-year-old played in 18 games in 2024, but did not record a goal or assist.
