Ecuadorian club player, 16, killed by stray bullet

"QUITO, Ecuador -- A 16-year-old soccer player from the youth academy of Independiente del Valle was fatally shot when he was struck by a stray bullet at home in the port city of Guayaquil, police said Wednesday. Miguel Nazareno was at home "when he unfortunately became a victim of the insecurity affecting our country," the soccer team said in an Instagram post, citing a wave of criminal violence began in Ecuador almost five years ago. "We extend our most sincere condolences and all our support to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time," the team's post added."

"Nazareno became the fourth soccer player killed by gunfire in Ecuador this year. In September, Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yépez, both from Exapromo Costa, and Jonathan González, from 22 de Junio, were killed. Both Exapromo Costa and 22 de Junio are second-division squads. Nazareno played for Independiente del Valle's Under-18 team. Several Ecuadorian national team players who play for European clubs, such as Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) and Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen), came up through the ranks at Independiente del Valle."

"Miguel Nazareno, who played as a midfielder and forward, was the victim of a stray bullet, according to police. Since 2021, Ecuador has experienced a growing criminal violence by gangs operating in coordination with Colombian and Mexican cartels involved in drug trafficking."

Miguel Nazareno, a 16-year-old midfielder and forward in Independiente del Valle's Under-18 academy, was fatally struck by a stray bullet at his home in Guayaquil. Police confirmed the shooting and the club offered condolences and support to his family, friends, and teammates. Nazareno is the fourth soccer player killed by gunfire in Ecuador this year, following Maicol Valencia, Leandro Yépez and Jonathan González. Independiente del Valle has produced several national-team players now playing in Europe. Since 2021, gang violence linked to Colombian and Mexican drug cartels has been increasing in Ecuador.

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