A TEENAGE footballer has been shot dead by a stray bullet while at home in Ecuador.
Miguel Nazareno, 16, was killed after being struck at his house in Guayaquil on Tuesday, local police confirmed.
The rising star played for Independiente Juniors, the youth academy linked to Independiente del Valle, the same club that produced Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
The tragedy has shocked Ecuadorian football and sparked renewed anger over growing violence in the country.
In a heartbreaking tribute, his club said: “The family of Independiente del Valle expresses its deep sorrow for the passing of Miguel Nazareno, player of our quarry in Independiente Juniors.
“Miguel was in his home when he sadly fell victim to the insecurity that affects our country.”
They added: “We extend our deepest condolences and all our support to his family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.”
The club shared black-and-white photos of the young midfielder and forward in action on Instagram, with fans flooding the comments to pay their respects.
One wrote: “Much strength and blessings to the family.”
While another said: “Rest in peace, mijo.”
Nazareno is reportedly the fourth Ecuadorian footballer killed by gunfire this year, following the deaths of Maicol Valencia, Leandro Yepez and Jonathan Gonzalez in September.
Valencia and Yepez played for Exapromo Costa, while González represented 22 de Junio.
Ecuador has been gripped by a surge in violent crime in recent years, much of it linked to gang activity and drug trafficking.
Nazareno’s death comes just weeks after a 14-year-old boy in the US was also killed by a stray bullet while playing video games in his bedroom in Missouri, police said.
