A Spanish youth coach has died after it was revealed he had the coronavirus and a previously unknown diagnosis of leukemia.
Francisco Garcia, 21, was coach of the junior team of Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta and had an unknown preexisting condition which was later revealed to be a form of leukemia. The leukemia was only discovered while he was in hospital receiving care after showing symptoms of the coronavirus, which Garcia was more susceptible to because of the preexisting condition.
The 21-year-old died on Sunday, making him the youngest person to have died from the coronavirus pandemic in Spain.
A club statement said: "From Atletico Portada Alta we want to express our most profound condolences to the family and friends of our coach Francisco Garcia who has unfortunately left us today. What will we do without you now, Francis? You were always there with us at Portada or wherever we needed you, helping. How are we going to continue to conquer kilometres in the league? We don't know how but for sure, we will do so for you. We will never forget you."
Spanish second division side Malaga FC paid tribute to Garcia in a tweet: "On behalf of the club we want to transmit to Atletico Portada Alta our most sincere condolences for the loss of one of their coaches, Francisco Garcia, and send our warmest wishes to his family and friends. Between all of us we must stop the COVID-19."
There have been 309 deaths related to the coronavirus in Spain, which has been in a state of emergency since Saturday night.