Former Ecuador international Jonathan González was shot dead, becoming the third soccer player killed in Ecuador this month amid worsening gang violence.
Ecuadorian footballer Jonathan González was killed on Friday in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, marking the third soccer player murdered in the South American country since early September, police confirmed.
Authorities said González, 31, nicknamed “Speedy,” sustained multiple gunshot wounds during an attack inside a residence. A second, unidentified victim also died while being rushed to hospital. Police have not disclosed a motive.
The former Ecuador international previously played for Olimpia in Paraguay, León in Mexico, and the local second-division team 22 de Julio FC.
His death follows the September 10 shooting of Exapromo Costa FC players Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yepez in Manta. Valencia died at the scene, while Yepez succumbed to injuries two days later. The club said the attack was not directed at the players.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation and several clubs expressed condolences. Ecuador’s escalating gang violence has pushed homicide rates to among the highest in the region.