- Cornejo was hospitalized on Sunday after suffering a blow to the head
- Teammates have paid tribute to the young goalkeeper in posts on social media
- The Ecuadorian Football Federation expressed its condolences to Cornejo’s family
Teammates paid tribute to young Ecuadorian goalkeeper Justin Cornejo, who passed away at the age of 20.
Cornejo was admitted to hospital on Sunday after suffering a blow to the head in a fall.
According to reports in Ecuador, the blow had resulted in “brain death”.
Cornejo played for the Ecuadorian team Barcelona SC, where the 20-year-old goalkeeper was third choice.
Barcelona SC teammates were filmed on social media arriving at the hospital.
Young Ecuadorian goalkeeper Justin Cornejo has died at the age of 20 after hitting his head in a fall
Several of his Barcelona SC teammates paid tribute to Cornejo on social media
The club, which played in the top division of Ecuadorian football, has not yet publicly commented on Cornejo’s death, but several teammates have posted tributes confirming the news.
“Rest in peace, little brother,” wrote teammate Dylan Luque.
“It pains us to say goodbye, but we find comfort in the beautiful moments we shared with you. You were and always will be a wonderful person, a friend and more than a friend, a brother.
‘I bid you farewell with love, waiting for the day we meet again. Today heaven gains a star and although we will miss you here on earth, we know you will watch over us from above.’
“I still can’t get over it. Rest in peace, buddy,” Allen Obando added.
Jordan Moran, another teammate, wrote: ‘My brother, rest in peace. May Jesus have you in his glory. I love you very much.’
Luis Gomez, coach of the club’s under-17 team, shared a photo of the goalkeeper with the caption: “See you soon, captain.”
Teammate Dylan Luque wrote that Cornejo was an “excellent person, friend and more than a friend, a brother”
Luis Gomez, a coach of the club’s under-17 team, wrote ‘goodbye captain’ in his tribute
The Ecuador Football Federation also paid tribute to Cornejo, who represented the country at youth level
The Ecuador Football Federation also paid tribute to Cornejo, who represented the country at youth level.
“The Ecuadorian Football Federation regrets the death of Justin Orlando Cornejo Mendoza, goalkeeper of Barcelona Sporting Club,” a statement said.
“Our sincere condolences to his distinguished family, friends and members of his club. Rest in peace.”