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Former Valencia Footballer José Castillejo Among Victims of Devastating Floods in Eastern Spain

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2024

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Valencia, Spain – Former Valencia footballer José Castillejo has tragically lost his life in the severe flash flooding that has struck the Valencia region.

The catastrophic weather event brought an unprecedented level of rainfall—equivalent to a year’s worth in a single day—causing extensive damage and claiming at least 150 lives, including Castillejo, aged 28.

TOPSHOT - Pedestrians stand next to piled up cars following deadly floods in Sedavi, south of Valencia, eastern Spain, on October 30, 2024. Floods triggered by torrential rains in Spain's eastern Valencia region has left at least 70 people dead, rescue services said on October 30. (Photo by Jose Jordan / AFP) (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images) — Pedestrians stand next topiled up cars following deadly floods in Sedavi (AFP)

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Eric Renom/LaPresse/Shutterstock (14853927ac) Desolation and solidarity are the two words that define the floods in Valencia: harrowing images of streets flooded with mud and cars piled on top of each other due to the effects of the DANA, the storm that devastated the metropolitan area of Valencia. Desolaci?n y solidaridad son las dos palabras que definen las inundaciones en Valencia: im?genes dantescas de calles anegadas por el lodo y coches apilados unos sobre otros por efecto de la DANA, la tormenta que devast? el ?rea metropolitana de Valencia. News-Cronaca-Valencia,Spain Friday, November, 1, 2024 Spain, Destruction From the Floods in Valencia - 31 Oct 2024 — Harrowing images of streets flooded with mud and cars piled on top of each other (Picture: Eric Renom/LaPresse/Shutterstock)

Valencia CF expressed their sorrow in a public statement: “Valencia CF mourns the passing of José Castillejo, casualty of the flash floodings.” Castillejo, who developed his football career through Valencia’s youth teams before joining other regional clubs, was remembered by the La Liga club and other organizations.

VALENCIA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 1: People walk by cars and trucks that were among the debris swept up in recent flash flooding along the V-31 highway near the municipality of Massanassa on November 1, 2024 on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain. By late Thursday, Spanish authorities confirmed that at least 150 people had died, mostly in the Valencia region, amid the flooding that swept eastern and southern parts of the country starting on Tuesday. The intense rainfall event is known as a — Cars and trucks were among the debris swept up in the municipality of Massanassa (Picture: Getty)

His career also included stints at Torre Levante, Paterna, Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón, and CD Roda. CD Eldense, where he played during the 2015-16 season, shared their condolences: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace.”

The devastating floods, one of Spain’s worst natural disasters, submerged entire towns, with videos capturing scenes of abandoned cars piled on streets and neighbourhoods overwhelmed by water.

In response, Valencia CF has postponed their upcoming match against Real Madrid, and all games in the affected region will be rescheduled.

Valencia players have also mobilised to support the community, with Maximiliano Caufriez, Jesus Vazquez, and Thierry Rendall helping gather supplies for residents at the Mestalla Stadium.

Defender César Tárrega spoke out about the disaster, recounting a call from his family as the floodwaters rose. “It’s important to support all the families affected,” Tárrega said, adding that multiple players have friends and family impacted by the flooding.

In a show of solidarity, La Liga clubs have come together to support recovery efforts. Real Madrid announced a €1 million donation to the Red Cross, stating, “The Real Madrid Foundation and the Red Cross have today launched a fundraising campaign to support those affected by the storm…to help families in need during this critical time.”

As recovery efforts begin, Spain’s football community is stepping up to provide both aid and solidarity, offering relief to those affected by this tragedy.