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​Emiliano Sala’s Father Has Passed Away Three Months After Son’s Fatal Plane Crash

​Emiliano Sala’s Father Has Passed Away Three Months After Son’s Fatal Plane Crash

Horacio Sala has sadly passed away at the age of 58 after suffering a heart attack

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

The father of footballer Emiliano Sala, who died in a fatal plane crash just three months ago, has sadly passed away at the age of 58 after suffering a heart attack.

Horacio Sala passed away in Argentina during the night, local politician Julio Muller confirmed, adding that paramedics unfortunately could not save him.

Muller said: "2019 doesn't let up in shocking us with news in this town.

"At 5 o'clock in the morning, the lady, his wife, rang me and she was very upset.

"The doctors were there but when I arrived at their home, he had already died."

The tragic news comes just months after the death of Horacio's son, Argentinian striker Emiliano Sala, who was travelling from Nantes to Cardiff when his plane crashed.

Wreaths and flowers in memory of Emiliano Sala, in front of the Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes.
PA

Contact was lost while the plane was travelling at 2,300 feet, prompting a huge search to find both Emiliano and the pilot, David Ibbotson.

The official search for the two men was called off on 24 January when Guernsey Police confirmed that they were 'no longer actively searching' for the plane.

But the wreckage was eventually found after renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns launched a survey vessel and discovered the aircraft on the seabed of the English Channel.

Recalling the discovery, Mearns told Sky Sports News: "Our job is done. This is an active investigation now in the hands of the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch), and they will be taking over as agreed.

"We've had a long trip back and all I could think about was the families. This is what they wanted us to do, we've achieved it and that's the best we could have hoped for - the best outcome.

"An incredibly tragic and sad, and a devastating moment, but at least some of their questions will be answered because of what we will be able to do today."

Emiliano Sala.
PA

Dorset Police said in a statement: "The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7 February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.

"The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers."

Cardiff City, the football club Sala had signed to just before his death, also said in a statement: "We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano.

"He and David will forever remain in our thoughts."

Rest in peace.

Featured Image Credit: Eltres