Ecuadorian goalkeeper Justin Cornejo has tragically passed away at the age of 20. Local media report that the Barcelona SC footballer succumbed to “brain death” following a head injury.
Ecuadorian goalkeeper Justin Cornejo tragically passed away at the age of 20 due to “brain death” caused by a severe head injury. Cornejo was hospitalized on Sunday after sustaining the injury in a fall, which ultimately led to his passing.
Reports in Ecuador confirmed that the blow led to brain death. Cornejo was the third-choice goalkeeper for the Ecuadorian team Barcelona SC.
Teammates were seen arriving at the hospital, as captured on social media.
Football Community in Ecuador Grieves the Loss of Young Goalkeeper Justin Cornejo
Cornejo’s teammate, Allen Obando, was among the first to pay tribute, posting: “I still can’t get over it. Rest in peace, little brother.”
Dylan Luque also shared an emotional farewell, saying: “Rest in peace, little brother. It hurts us to say goodbye, but we find comfort in the wonderful moments we shared with you. You were and will always be an excellent person, friend, and more than a friend, a brother.”
He added: “I bid you farewell with affection, waiting for the day when we meet again. Today heaven gains a star, and although we will miss you here on earth, we know you will be watching over us from above.”
Jordan Moran, another teammate, wrote, “My brother, rest in peace. May Jesus have you in His glory. I love you very much.”
Luis Gomez, a coach of the club’s under-17 team, shared a photo of the goalkeeper with the caption, “See you later, captain.”
The Ecuador Football Federation also paid tribute to Cornejo, who had represented the nation at the youth level.
In a statement, they said, “The Ecuador Football Federation laments the death of Justin Orlando Cornejo Mendoza, goalkeeper of Barcelona Sporting Club.”
“Our heartfelt condolences to his distinguished family, friends, and members of his club. Rest in peace.”
The club, which plays in the top division of Ecuadorian football, has yet to comment publicly on Cornejo’s death, but several teammates posted tributes confirming the news.
