Éder Smic Valencia, a Colombian prospect for Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, has died. He was 16.

Smic Valencia died in a car accident while on vacation in Cauca, Colombia, on Sunday, according to reports. His death was announced by his club team, Academia Alemana Popayán.

“With deep sorrow, we report the passing of our player Éder Smic Valencia Ambuila (2009), in a car accident during his vacation in Guachené,” the club said in a statement . “We stand with his family and honor his memory at the AAFP. He will forever remain in our hearts.”

The Red Bulls confirmed Smic Valencia’s death in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with all of Éder’s family, friends and teammates. Rest in peace,” the team wrote in a post to X .

Smic Valencia signed with New York in February and guest-

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