Emiliano Sala’s father has died of a heart attack months after the footballer was killed in a plane crash.
Horacio Sala, 58, died at his home in Progreso in Argentina’s Santa Fe province, local media reported earlier today.
The 28-year-old Argentine footballer, who had signed for Cardiff City, disappeared with the pilot of the Piper Malibu after it crashed in the waters north of Guernsey on January 21.
Progreso mayor Julio Muller told radio station La Red of Mr Sala’s death.
Football player of Nantes Nicolas Pallois (C) carries the coffin together with Emiliano Sala's brother, Dario Sala (L), father Horario Sala and relatives after a vigil at Sala's boyhood club San Martin de Progreso on February 16, 2019 in Progreso, Argentina. . (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Getty Images)“2019 doesn't let up in shocking us with news in this town," he said.
“The partner of Horacio called me at five in the morning. The doctors were already there. When he left his home, he had already died,” Mr Muller said, according to local media reports.
“He could never get over Emi’s death.”
Emiliano Sala’s remains were recovered on February 6 after a private search, but the pilot, David Ibbotson, 59, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, is still missing.
The father said he was “desperate” after the underwater search found the crashed aircraft.
“I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate,” Mr Sala had told local broadcaster Cronica TV.
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