A budding football star tipped for Major League Soccer has died in a horror car crash aged just 16.
Éder Smic Valencia was killed while on holiday.
The talented forward had been due to fly to the US this week to reportedly sign with New York Red Bulls.
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He had impressed at the Under-16 Bulls Cup in February, as reported by Need To Know.
The crash happened in Guachené, near Cali, Colombia, yesterday (7 Sept).
His death was confirmed by his club, Academia Alemana Popayán (AAFP), which has a track record of developing players with international potential.
A spokesperson said: “It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of our player Éder Smic Valencia Ambuila in a car accident while on vacation in Guachené.
“We are supporting his family and we will honour his memory here at AAFP.
“He will forever be in our hearts.”
According to local reports, Éder was also set to represent Colombia’s U-17 national team at the 2026 South American U-17 Championship.
The striker’s dream move to the MLS has now been cruelly cut short, leaving family, teammates and fans heartbroken.
An investigation into the cause of the fatal crash is ongoing.
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