Liga Deportiva Universitaria Quito (LDU Quito) midfielder Marco Angulo passed away on Monday evening, November 11, at 22. FC Cincinnati had loaned Angulo to LDU Quito through December 31, and news outlets divulged the details surrounding his demise. The football club also expressed their devastation and condolences in a series of posts shared on X.

According to reports, Angulo met his demise after battling injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred in Ecuador on October 7 at 4:30 a.m. He was one of three survivors of the crash on Rumiñahui highway.

Angulo and four other people had been traveling in a Ford Explorer that was registered under his sister’s name. Ecuador news outlet El Universo stated that their vehicle crashed into a 50-ton metal structure after they had failed to adhere to road signs signaling that there was ongoing construction on the highway. Following the collision, the automobile was displaced by 5 meters.

At the time, FC Cincinnati disclosed, “He remains in the care of medical professionals in Quito, and FCC are [sic] working to obtain more information and provide any support we can for Marco. Our thoughts are with him and his family as we hope for his recovery.”

The football club also sent their condolences to the families of those who did not survive the car crash and extended well wishes to the other survivors.

Alas, 35 days after the crash, the 22-year-old lost his life. Sadly, Angulo, survived by his wife and young son, played his last match for LDU Quito on October 6, a day before the car accident.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco-a [sic] 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,” penned FC Cincinnati on Tuesday, November 12.

The organization went on to say, “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.”

Joining FC Cincinnati in speaking out about the tragedy, LDU Quito took to Instagram to pen a tribute to Angulo. Alongside a black-and-white photo of the late athlete, they expressed their grief over the significant loss and extended “heartfelt condolences” to his loved ones.

“His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark in our hearts. MAY HE REST IN PEACE 🕊️,” concluded the team. Their statement was originally written in Spanish.

In addition to their dedication, LDU Quito shared a heartwarming Instagram reel commemorating Angulo’s career and legacy.

The video began by showing the club’s players standing side-by-side on the grass of a stadium holding a large banner that read, “Va Por Ti Marco Angulo,” which roughly translates to, “It’s for you, Marco Angulo.”

Embedded within Angulo’s first name was a photo of him smiling widely. The footage then cuts to noteworthy moments that Angulo experienced during his time with the football club.

Such moments depicted intense gameplay where the late star was seen with a concentrated look on his face as he focused on his matches.

The footage also captured playful moments Angulo shared with his fellow teammates, joking around on the field and in the gym.

LDU Quito’s commemoration video, which also highlighted how talented of a player he was, gave followers glimpses of the full life Angulo led.

“You will always be in our hearts dear friend. Fly high, Marco. 🕊️,” captioned the team. The caption was originally written in Spanish and has been loosely translated into English.

When Angulo was loaned to LDU Quito earlier this year (2024), the transaction included the option for the team to acquire him permanently and opened up a U22 Initiative spot on the roster.

The then-21-year-old, who hailed from Esmeraldas, was set to return to the Ecuadorian Liga Pro — the football league where he had spent the first three seasons of his career as part of the team Independiente del Valle.

Before the loan, FC Cincinnati had acquired Angulo from Independiente del Valle in December 2022, where he recorded two assists and made 24 regular-season appearances in the organization’s 2023 Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign.

In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Angulo made seven appearances in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competition, netting one Cup assist. The late football star also made two substitute appearances in the playoffs.

Along with Angulo, the football community and team Independiente Juniors are also mourning the loss of Independiente Juniors defender Roberto Carlos Cabezas Simisterra, who had been in the same car Angulo had traveled in. Like Angulo, Simisterra lost his life as a result of the accident.

“We extend our condolences to all his family and friends, and we stand in solidarity with everyone affected by this tragedy,” wrote the team in an Instagram post, which has been translated into English.

At this time, we also extend our most heartfelt condolences to the loved ones mourning the loss of both Angulo and Simisterra and hope for healing amid the grief.