Tragedy in Mexico as FC Juarez forward Diego Chavez dies in car crash after losing control of vehicle

The forward lost control of his Volkswagen Beetle and crashed into a pole at around 1am on Wednesday, according to TUDN. Tributes have started flowing in for Chavez, who joined Juarez in February 2023 for his second spell at the club, having previously spent a season on loan from Tiburones Rojos.

The Liga MX club wrote on a social media post: "It hurts us deeply to say goodbye to a friend. His inexhaustible energy on the field and his contagious smile off it will always remind us of his love for the city and our colors. Dear Puma, your departure is a hard blow, but your legacy will live on in each of us. Rest in peace, friend, today it is your turn to gallop into eternity and it is our turn to honor your memory."

Carlos Salcedo was one of the first of Chavez's team-mates to speak out, saying: "A lot of strength for his entire family! I will always remember you with that joy."

Chavez also represented the likes of Necaxa, Salamanca, Toluca and Peruvian side Mannucci before returning to Mexico. Overall, he made 46 appearances for Juarez and scored three goals across his two spells at the club.

Fans of the Mexican club turned out to pay homage to their fallen star as they held a vigil in his honour after hearing the news of his passing.