ECUADORIAN keeper Justin Cornejo has tragically passed away at the age of 20.
Local media understand the Barcelona SC footballer died after suffering a blow to the head which resulted in “brain death”.
Cornejo’s team-mate, Allen Obando, was one of the first people to pay tribute to Cornejo.
He posted: “I still can’t get over it, rest in peace, little brother.”
Dylan Luque also shared an emotional farewell, saying: “Rest in peace, little brother.
“It hurts us to say goodbye, but we find comfort in the wonderful moments we shared with you…
“You were and will always be an excellent person, friend, and more than a friend, a brother…”
He went on to add: “I bid you farewell with affection, waiting for the day when we meet again.
“Today heaven gains a star and although we will miss you here on earth, we know that you will be watching over us from above.”
Liga Pro, the Ecuadorian top flight, expressed its “sincere condolences”.
Cornejo’s Barcelona SC team-mates visited him at the clinic where he had been hospitalised following the accident.
Barcelona SC’s third-choice shot-stopper, who made his debut for Ecuador‘s U20s back in 2022, also received tributes from fans on social media following his passing.
One said: “Rest in peace Justin. Condolences to his family and Barcelona.”
While another replied: “Rest in peace 
.”
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