Ex-Valencia star, 28, tragically dies in Spanish floods as La Liga club release statement

Flash flooding in Spain has claimed the lives of dozens of people, including footballer Jose Castillejo with the city of Valencia hit hard by the natural disaster

By: irishmirror.ie

Nov 01 2024
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Ex-Valencia star, 28, tragical

Valencia have paid tribute to their former player Jose Castillejo, 28, who was killed after the city was hit by flash floods.

" Valencia CF mourn the passing of José Castillejo, casualty of the flash floodings," a statement read. "José Castillejo came up through the [club's] youth system up to U18 level and played for others teams in the region."

Another of his former clubs, Eldense, paid a tribute of their own. "Terrible news coming from the catastrophic DANA," it read.

"CD Eldense deeply regrets the death at the age of 28 of José Castillejo, former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace."

Castillejo, a midfielder, was in Valencia's academy and played for the club up to Under-19 level. He subsequently spent time with Eldense, Bunol, Recambios Colon, Roda, Torre Levante and Villamarxant.

"We regret to announce the death of Jose Castillejo, who defended our shirt during the 18/19 season," a statement from Roda read. "Rest in peace, Jose. We will always remember you. We send our love to your family and friends."

Valencia CF have also shared footage of their players helping with the recovery effort in the city. Maximiliano Caufriez, Jesus Vazquez and Thierry Rendall were among those seen helping collect foodstuffs at the club's Mestalla Stadium, where local residents have been gathered after the floods devastated the city.

The flash flooding has been dubbed Spain's worst natural disaster in a century. The number of lives lost has risen to at least 158 at the time of writing, with fears it will climb higher.

Valencia had been due to take on Paria Escuela in the Copa del Rey. However, that fixture was postponed amid the severe impact of the floods.

A Formula E event scheduled to take place in Valencia has also been postponed. "We have all been monitoring the tragic situation in Valencia, where flash floods have devastated the region and claimed many lives," a statement from the sport's governing body read. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these terrible events and we at Formula E are looking at how we can practically support the region during this awful time.

"Following consultation with local authorities, the FIA and our colleagues at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, we have decided not to proceed with our pre-season test in Valencia, planned for 4-7 November. While it may have been possible to go ahead logistically, it is important not to create any distraction or use valuable resources that are much better served supporting the local community.

"We have a number of Formula E team members who have been working on the ground in Valencia over the past week, and we want to personally thank them for everything they’ve done, and continue to do, to support the area.

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