In an unfortunate incident, Arsenal legend Jose Antonio Reyes passed away on June 1.
His death happened in a 120mph car crash as he reportedly made his way home to his wife and children. The 35-year-old was killed alongside his cousin as the Mercedes they were travelling in came off the road and burst into flames near his hometown.
The TV footage showed the charred wreck of the Mercedes Brabus S550V on its roof by the A-376 motorway near Alcala de Guadaira. The ex-Spanish International and Arsenal hero – who was part of the Gunners’ Invincibles side that went unbeaten in the 2003/04 Premier League season – died near Seville, Spain.
Reyes leaves behind two daughters, Noelia, five, and Triana, two, with wife Noelia Lopez, and a son, 11-year-old Jose Antonio Jr, from a previous relationship.
Fans, friends and family are paying respect to the footballer through messages on social media.
Arsenal lowered its flag to pay respect to Reyes as former manager Arsène Wenger said: “I am devastated to hear the terrible news about Jose. To his family and friends, all support from everyone in the Arsenal family. He will remain forever in our hearts.”
The Club’s Twitter account has been posting tributes to the footballer.
Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain.
Jose Antonio Reyes: 1983-2019
Rest in peace, Jose ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AT6rLFutvI
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 1, 2019
Numbed by the news about my former team-mate, Jose Antonio Reyes. Gone far too soon, my thoughts are with his family and friends
— Freddie Ljungberg (@freddie) June 1, 2019
I’m devastated to hear the sad news about José Antonio Reyes. Wonderful player, superb team mate and exceptional human being. I wish his family and friends continued strength and courage to get through this difficult time. #takenfartoosoon
— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) June 1, 2019
Former Arsenal players Freddie Ljungberg and Thierry Henry also took to Twitter to share their heartfelt condolences.
Reyes son little Jose Antonio Reyes Jr., who is the oldest of the former Arsenal star’s three children, posted his loving message along with a picture of the last time he was with his father.
Writing in Spanish, his son said: “This is the last moment we have spent together dad. That day you gave me advice as you always do, but today you’ve gone to not come back and it’s a very hard day for me! I was and I will always be very proud of you, dad. We did not spend all the time we wanted together but only you and I know how much we loved each other! I know that from heaven you will take care of me and I will never forget you! I love you, Papa!”
"Te quiero hermano."
Alberto Moreno pays tribute to his Sevilla teammate and friend Jose Antonio Reyes ❤️#UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/AwbopbV9Ik
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 1, 2019
Reyes tragically passed away in a car accident and Moreno wore a t-shirt in his memory during Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations. The Spaniard honoured the late Reyes with an emotional top.
The news of the untimely demise of the footballer has shocked the football world and fans are devastated.
RIP, José Antonio Reyes.
