With devastating floods ravaging some parts of Spain, it has been confirmed that the ongoing disaster has now claimed the life of a former Spanish footballer.
Dubbed by some experts as Spain's worst natural disaster in a century, the country now finds itself with a rising death toll due to devastating floods, with at least 158 people pronounced dead so far, as per The Mirror.
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Tragically, former Valencia player Jose Castillejo has now also passed away as a result of the excessive weather conditions.
The former central midfielder was 28-years-old at the time of his unfortunate death, although he had retired from professional football in 2020.
Castillejo played in the Valencia academy up until the under-19s and the club posted a statement on X, writing: "Valencia CF mourn the passing of José Castillejo, casualty of the flash flooding.
"José Castillejo came up through the [club's] youth system up to U18 level and played for others teams in the region."
Another one of his former clubs, Eldense, paid a tribute of their own on X, stating: "Terrible news coming from the catastrophic DANA,"
"CD Eldense deeply regrets the death at the age of 28 of José Castillejo, former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace."
Authorities and weather experts have warned residents to stay at home for their safety. Parts of Spain are submerged under flood waters, properties have been damaged, and cars have piled on top of each other.
Valencia's clash with Real Madrid was set to take place on 2 November at the Mestalla, but has since been postponed to a later date due to the weather crisis.
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