A father-of-two footballer has been found dead at just 28.
His body was discovered inside a house in Calama, northern Chile on Sunday (25 Jan).
Erick Fabián was a former midfielder in Cobreloa’s youth teams.
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Cobreloa, based in Calama, currently competes in the Campeonato Nacional Primera B, which is the second tier of Chilean football.
During his time at Cobreloa, Erick was coached by César Bravo, the club’s current first-team manager.
He also shared the dressing room with Hugo Araya – who went on to win the 22/23 Primera B with Cobreloa and was called up to the Chile national team in 2023 – and Jorge Espejo, who recently signed for Universidad de Concepción and will play in the top-tier Liga de Primera this year.
After leaving Cobreloa, Erick continued playing amateur football for various teams in and around Calama, as reported by Need To Know.
He featured in the Copa Chile – Chile’s rough equivalent of the FA Cup – with Eléctricos Refinerías against second-tier Deportes Antofagasta in May 2023.
At the time of his passing, he was playing for Lucero del Norte while also working in the mining sector.
The club paid tribute online, stating: “You left us far too soon, and the pitch feels so quiet without you. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, and all the moments we shared.
“Rest in peace, dear Erick – the Lucero del Norte family will never forget you. Sending strength to his children and family, and a hug up to heaven.”
Cobreloa also expressed their “deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time”.
Erick’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office to determine the cause of death.
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