Marco Angulo, a midfielder for FC Cincinnati, tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred on Oct. 7 in Ecuador.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco — a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate,” read a statement from FC Cincinnati. “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.”
Roberto Cabezas, who played with Angulo in their youth and was part of Ecuador’s Club Deportivo Independiente Juniors, also lost his life in the accident.
The 22-year-old Angulo was a passenger in the vehicle that crashed into a metal barrier on the Rumiñahui highway southeast of Quito. Angulo, who joined FC Cincinnati in December 2022 and was on loan to Ecuadorian side LDU Quito this season, suffered a lung contusion and severe head injuries. Despite being in an induced coma, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening.
“Marco was a talented young midfielder for FC Cincinnati last season, helping the club capture the Supporters’ Shield before continuing his development on loan with LDU Quito in his native Ecuador,” read a statement from MLS. “During this difficult time, we extend our condolences to Marco’s wife and son, as well as his entire family, friends, teammates, and the soccer community. He will be greatly missed.”
Angulo also represented Ecuador at both the youth and senior levels, with the country’s Football Association expressing that he “defended the colors of our country with talent and dedication. Marco was not only an outstanding player, but a great teammate. He leaves a deep pain in our hearts.”