What we know about the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother
Both of them were killed in the crash on the A-52 in the province of Zamora, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
Watch the Mail's video report for the latest details.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
8 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Such a kind kid': former neighbours and all Portugal grieve for Diogo Jota
Ana Oliveira can barely get through a sentence before breaking down in tears. She has lived most of her life across the street from Diogo Jota's family home in Gondomar, a town a short drive east of Porto. The sorrow that has engulfed the country since the Liverpool forward's death is felt particularly acutely there. Ana can still picture Diogo clearly as a boy, dropping his backpack after school and spending hours kicking a ball against the wall of his house. His younger brother, André Silva – who perished in the same car crash in north-west Spain on Thursday – quickly followed in his footsteps, sharing his love for the game. The brothers would often invite Ana's brother, ngelo, for a quick match in the street before dinner. 'The family came from very humble beginnings,' Ana says, her voice trembling. 'Diogo was always such a kind kid – the ball never left his feet. 'But even with all that passion for football, he was an excellent student. His mother always reminded him to stay focused in school, and he took it seriously. He knew that not everyone makes it in football.' News of Jota's death sent shock waves through Gondomar, where the brothers were raised. But the grief spread far beyond the city limits. Jota was a core member of the Portugal national team, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals. Known for his quick wit, grounded personality and love for family, he became a fan favourite. Those who knew him speak of his humility and generous heart. In the early hours of Thursday, Ana began receiving messages from friends and colleagues – people who knew of her close ties to the Jota family – asking if the heartbreaking rumours were true. 'A lot of people messaged me asking if it was fake news,' she says. 'It wasn't. We knew by sunrise. It's an unimaginable tragedy. Just days ago, he got married in a beautiful ceremony. He has three children: one is five, the other three and the baby is only nine months old. One moment you have everything and in the blink of an eye it's all gone. As a mother myself, I still don't have the courage to write to his mum. I just don't have the words.' Thursday was meant to be a historic day for the Portuguese media. For the first time since the country's return to democracy, a former prime minister was facing trial on corruption charges. Every major outlet was covering the landmark event, which was expected to be the story of the week, if not the year. Dozens of reporters were stationed outside the courthouse in Lisbon. But that story all but disappeared when the death of the Liverpool player was confirmed. Politicians, football clubs and public figures rushed to express their sorrow. 'More than dismay, it's a shock,' said the president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in an impromptu press conference outside his official residence. 'It's a shock because a 28-year-old man dies, and his brother André dies with him. He was living a very happy moment in his family life and he was progressing as an exceptional footballer, both internationally and with the national team. He had his whole future ahead of him. We expect the elderly to leave us – not the young.' The president recalled the last time he embraced the player: a hug shared after Portugal's win over Spain in the Nations League final. 'None of us imagined it would be the last hug. Him, myself, all of us – we thought it would be just one of many more to come, for all the success we believed he still had ahead of him.' In the quiet village where Diogo's grandparents lived, 82-year-old Cosme Silva is struggling to find the right words. A former football coach, Cosme once managed Diogo's father in a local team. He says the father's discipline and humility were passed down to both sons. 'They're such good people. Always generous, always willing to help. It's like I always say: the good ones go, and the rest stay. Diogo was a great student, from a family of footballers. His uncle Jorge was also talented – though with a bit of a temper.' He ends his sentence with a chuckle. The success and money that came with Jota's move to England never changed him, Cosme says: 'He stayed grounded. The fame never went to his head.' Ana Oliveira agrees. 'He was always trying to help. He sent boots to my brother. If you needed something, it might take some time but he always came through.' On Saturday morning Diogo and André will be buried in Gondomar. Family and friends will be present but really all of Portugal will be there, united in grief, to give one final goodbye.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Man killed in A1 County Durham crash made family 'so proud'
The family of a 19-year-old killed in a crash on the A1(M) said he was "a very intelligent, bright, quiet young man, who is dearly loved by us all".Dylan Martin Lawson, from West Yorkshire, died in a single-vehicle crash on the northbound carriageway, near Coxhoe, County Durham, in the early hours of Lawson, who was the only person in the Seat Leon, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene, Durham Constabulary parents paid tribute to their son, who they said made them "so proud". In a tribute, his mother Susan said: "Dylan was the one that made me a mother and was the start of our family."Dylan was an amazing big brother to his little sister Lydia. They loved each other so much."Dylan was loved more than he can ever know every day. We will never forget him or ever stop loving him, and will miss him dearly every single second." His father, Steven, said his son was an "exceptionally bright individual and achieved a high score in MENSA at school".Mr Lawson also achieved numerous awards including the Richard Harris Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement, his father said."Whatever he chose to pursue in life, he always excelled," he added."He loved his pet dogs - especially Mario - and was loved by everyone." He said the pair enjoyed going to the gym at the weekends "working their biceps and having dad and son time"."No time can ever replace the hole that has been taken and can never be filled, but some day we will all meet again, so until then rest in peace, my son. We love you always."A stretch of the A1(M) northbound and southbound, between J60 Bradbury and J62 Carville, was closed until around 11:30 BST, while an investigation took place. The force continues to appeal for witnesses to the crash, which happened at about 02:20 BST. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Tribute to 'cherished' man who died in crash near Frisby on the Wreake
A man who died in a two-car crash in Leicestershire was "cherished by everyone who knew him", his family has Aldridge, 37, from Syston in Leicester, was the driver of a Vauxhall Corsa that was involved in a crash with an orange BMW convertible on the A607, near Frisby on the Wreake, on 27 June.A teenage girl was who travelling in the Corsa was taken to hospital and has since been discharged, said Leicestershire men, aged 33 and 25, who were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous and driving while under the influence of alcohol have been released under investigation while inquiries continue. In a tribute released on Friday, Mr Aldridge's family said: "We are heartbroken and devastated, and the grief will linger for the rest of our lives."His two children are left without a father who they loved so very much and their world has been shattered, but we are a strong family unit, and we will support each other through this difficult time."Police said the investigation into the crash was ongoing and urged anyone with any information to make contact.
