Footballer, 28, found dead at home as club mourn loss of dad of two | Football | Sport

A father-of-two footballer has tragically been found dead at just 28 years old, leaving his club devastated. Erick Fabian’s body was discovered at a property in Calama, northern Chile on Sunday (January 25). The former midfielder came through the youth ranks at Cobreloa, who are based in Calama and currently play in the Campeonato Nacional Primera B, Chile’s second division.

Whilst at Cobreloa, Fabian was managed by Cesar Bravo, who now oversees the club’s first team. He also played alongside Hugo Araya – who later helped Cobreloa secure the 22/23 Primera B title and earned a Chile national team call-up in 2023 – and Jorge Espejo, who has recently joined Universidad de Concepcion and will feature in the top-flight Liga de Primera this season. Following his departure from Cobreloa, Fabian went on to play amateur football for several teams in the Calama area, according to NeedToKnow.

He appeared in the Copa Chile – the Chilean equivalent of the FA Cup – representing Electricos Refinerias against second-tier side Deportes Antofagasta in May 2023.

When he died, Fabian was playing for Lucero del Norte in Calama, Chile, whilst also holding down a job in the mining industry.

The club posted a heartfelt tribute, saying: “You left us far too soon, and the pitch feels so quiet without you. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, and all the moments we shared.

“Rest in peace, dear Erick – the Lucero del Norte family will never forget you. Sending strength to his children and family, and a hug up to heaven.”

Cobreloa likewise conveyed their “deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time”. Fabian’s body has been transferred to the coroner’s office for examination to establish the cause of death.