Francisco Garcia has died of coronavirus aged 21 – becoming the the fifth person and youngest to die from virus in Malaga.
Francisco Garcia has died of the coronavirus, aged 21. The Spanish youth football coach was also suffering from leukaemia and has become the youngest death from the virus in Malaga. He worked with Atletico Portada Alta, who confirmed his death this morning.
Local reports from Spain suggest the health authorities have said he would not have died from coronavirus if he did not have leukaemia.
Portada Alta president Pepe Bueno said: “Francisco was a great guy and a very talented coach. We are all still shocked.
“The hospital rang me at 7pm on Sunday to say his condition had stabilised, but then an hour later…
“The coronavirus came together with a bad illness he had. I can’t believe it has happened.”
A club statement read: “From Atletico Cotada Alta we want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and relatives of our coach Francisco Garcia who has left us, unfortunately, unfortunately, today.
“What do we do without you now, Francis? Yes you were always with us on the Cover or wherever needed, helping.
“How are we going to keep conquering miles in the league? We know how, but we sure will, for you.
“We will never forget you, rest in peace phenomenon. See you forever.”
Second division side Malaga tweeted: “From the Club we want to transfer to @AtlPortadaAlta Our deepest condolences for the loss of one of his technicians, Francisco García, as well as sending a warm hug to his family and friends.
“Together we must stop the #COVIDー19.”
Spain are one of the worst affected areas in Europe with the country going into lockdown this weekend.
As of Sunday morning the death toll was 288 with confirmed cases up from 5,700 to 7,753.
The country declared a 15-day state of emergency on Sunday and have shut down the borders.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez, whose wife tested positive, has declared he will put health first as they fight the virus.
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