Mexican footballer Diego Chavez dies at 28 in a car crash after ‘losing control of his vehicle

Mexican footballer, Diego Chavez, who played as a striker for FC Juarez has passed away at the age of 28 after being involved in a fatal car crash.

TUDN reported that Chavez lost control of his red Volkswagen Beetle and crashed into a pole.

He was then trapped inside the vehicle following the collision.

His club confirmed Chavez’s death and paid an emotional tribute to their striker on Wednesday.

Their Facebook post 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.’

The Mexican club also posted a separate message on X, having been left ‘heartbroken’ by Chavez’s tragic passing.

‘Our players, staff, technical staff, directors and all of us who make up this institution, are heartbroken by this unfortunate news, because more than just a player, today we have to say goodbye to a member of our large family,’ the statement read.  

Chavez had been enjoying his second spell at Juarez after previously going on loan to the club for the 2016-17 season.

He spent the majority of his career in his homeland, but also had a brief spell at Spanish lower division team Salamanca, and played for Peruvian outfit Carlos A Mannucci between 2022 and 2023.

He returned to Juarez last year, and played 46 times for the club across his two spells, scoring three goals.

His final appearance came as a substitute on January 29, and he was an unused substitute in their 2-1 defeat against Chivas on Sunday.