Marco Angulo, FC Cincinnati and Ecuador midfielder, dies aged 22

FC Cincinnati midfielder Marco Angulo has died aged 22, five weeks after suffering serious injuries in a car accident.

Angulo, on loan at Ecuadorian club LDU Quito this season, was involved in a crash in the Ecuadorean capital on October 7 and died at a local hospital 35 days later.

FC Cincinnati said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco—a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate.

“He was a joyful, kind young man who lit up every room he entered. Our entire club grieves this tragedy, and we are thinking of and praying for his family. He was a cherished member of the FC Cincinnati family, and he will be missed.”

Angulo was one of five people in the car that crashed into a metal structure on the motorway and he is the third to die following the incident. Roberto Cabezas Simisterra, a full-back for Independiente Juniors, and Victor Charcopa Nazareno also lost their lives.

“It is with profound pain and sadness that we bring you the news of the death of our player, Marco Angulo,” read an LDU Quito statement on Tuesday.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark on our hearts. May he rest in peace.”

Angulo was capped three times by his country with the Ecuadorian Football Federation highlighting in a statement that “he was not only a great player, but also a great team-mate.”

📍Descansa en paz Marco 🕊️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/SCPEIpkXTR

— LigaPro (@LigaProEC) November 12, 2024

Angulo began his career at Independiente Juniors in his native Ecuador before joining Independiente del Valle and then FC Cincinnati, where he was under contract until 2025.

He made 30 first-team appearances for the MLS club before joining LDU Quito on loan this season, with the last of his 18 appearances coming on October 6.

Angulo is survived by his wife and young son.

(Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)