Ecuador international Marco Angulo has tragically passed away at the age of 22, just over a month after sustaining serious injuries in a car crash, his club LDU Quito announced.
The midfielder had been hospitalized since the incident on October 7 in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Reports indicate that Angulo underwent multiple surgeries and spent over a week in intensive care before he died on Monday night.
LDU Quito expressed their sorrow in a statement released Tuesday morning, saying, “With deep sorrow, we regret to inform you of the death of our dear player Marco Angulo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.
His passing is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.”
Angulo’s parent club, Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, also shared their heartbreak at the news of his death. After a single season in the U.S., Angulo joined LDU Quito on loan in March 2024, with an option to buy.
He made 16 appearances for LDU, with his last match occurring on October 6, just a day before the accident.
Angulo made his debut for the Ecuadorian national team in November 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Iraq, and earned a total of three caps.
The Ecuadorian Football Association issued a statement expressing deep sympathy for Angulo’s passing, noting, “Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great teammate.
He leaves a profound sorrow in our hearts, especially for those of us who traveled with him to numerous matches and training camps. Rest in peace, Angulito.”
Reports from Ecuador indicate that fellow footballer Roberto Cabezas of Independiente del Valle and his friend Victor Carcopa also lost their lives in the same accident.
The condition of two other passengers in the vehicle remains unknown.