Liverpool and Portugal soccer star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash near Zamora, in northwestern Spain, this July 3. The 28-year-old was traveling with his brother, André Silva, 26 and also a soccer player, who died in the accident as well. According to local police, the car veered off the road during a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, before bursting into flames.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight. Emergency responders found both men dead at the scene. Jota had recently married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
Indeed, the life of an athlete is made up of highs and lows. They typically start young and quickly prove themselves at a national, and even international, level. Unfortunately, many athletes who have shown immense dedication to their sport have had their careers fatefully cut short. Click through this gallery to discover the sports stars who died too young.