New York Red Bulls prospect Eder Smic Valencia tragically dies in car crash aged 16, days before trial date with MLS club

Smic Valencia tragically died in a car crash in Colombia while on holiday, as ESPN reports. The accident occurred just days before he was due for a trial with the New York Red Bulls II. The teenager had previously played as a guest for the club's Under-16 side and had been tipped to join Colombia’s Under-17 national team for the 2026 South American Championship.

Smic Valencia's club Academia Alemana Popayán announced the news and paid tribute to the 16-year-old in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of our player Éder Smic Valencia Ambuila (2009) in a car accident while on vacation in Guachené. We, along with his family, will honor his memory at the AAFP. He will forever be in our hearts."

The New York Red Bulls posted on X: "Our thoughts are with all of Éder’s family, friends and teammates. Rest in peace."

Smi Valencia's father, Eder, has spoken of the family's sadness at his son's passing. He told El Tiempo: "He had achieved nearly 80% of his goals. He was a top scorer for every team he played for, was on the Colombian national team, and was about to travel to North America. It’s very sad that my son lost his life in a car accident at 16."