Soccer fans were shocked last month when 22-year-old Ecuadorian star player Marco Angulo was involved in a serious car accident.

Those same fans were left devastated this week when it was reported that the young athlete had passed away. 

Angulo played for FC Cincinnati

Angulo played for FC Cincinnati, and The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that he was hospitalized in Quito, Ecuador while on loan to a team in his native country.

"FC Cincinnati are devastated to learn that Marco Angulo has been hospitalized following an automobile accident in Ecuador," a statement put out on October 7 read.

"He remains in the care of medical professionals in Quito, and FCC are working to obtain more information and provide any support we can for Marco," the statement explained.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family as we hope for his recovery, and our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and those injured in this tragic accident," it went on to add.

Ecuadorian Football Association expresses "deepest sympathy"

However, the BBC reported that Angulo had passed away on Tuesday after an announcement by LDU Quito, the Ecuadorian team for which Angulo was temporarily playing.

"With deep sorrow and sadness, we regret to have to inform you of the death of our dear player Marco Angulo," it explained.

"We convey our condolences to his family and his loved ones. His passing is an irreparable loss which will leave an indelible mark in our hearts," the statement continued.

The Ecuadorian Football Association issued a statement of its own expressing "deepest sympathy over the death of Marco Angulo."

It concluded by saying, "Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great team-mate. He leaves a deep sorrow in our hearts, especially in those of us who went with him on countless trips, and to training camps and matches. Rest in peace, Angulito."

Angulo remembered as "a talented young midfielder"

Additional tributes to Angulo also appeared on social media, including from Major League Soccer, which mourned his "tragic passing of Marco Angulo."

Major League Soccer mourns the tragic passing of Marco Angulo.

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.

During this… pic.twitter.com/vdpAY5XcAd

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 12, 2024

"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," the organization pointed out.