Spanish journalist and former Real Madrid Communications Dir Enrique Beotas "was one of 80 people killed in a train crash in Santiago de Compostela, Spain," on Wednesday night, according to the EFE. Beotas, born in '55, worked for various Spanish media outlets throughout his career, including Radio España, Radio Voz and Punto Radio, among others (EFE, 7/25).
GAMES CANCELED: MARCA reported Spanish second division side Lugo has suspended a friendly scheduled for Thursday afternoon against league foe Ponferradina "as a show of respect for the tragic train accident Wednesday in Santiago de Compostela." Lugo expressed its "support and condolences for the victims of the tragedy." Spanish second division side Deportivo La Coruña also canceled a game scheduled for Thursday, when the club was to take on Spanish third division side Ourense. The game will "instead be played at 7pm local time on Friday" (MARCA, 7/25).
ATHLETES REACT: MARCA reported that a number of prominent Spanish athletes took to Twitter to express their condolences for those affected by the accident.
- Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta tweeted: "Triste por el trágico accidente de ayer en Galicia. Sin palabras suficientes d consuelo para las familias afectadas. Abrazo desde el corazón" ("I am saddened by the tragic accident yesterday in Galicia. Words are not sufficient to comfort the affected families. A hug from my heart")
- NBA L.A. Lakers Pau Gasol tweeted: "My heart is with the families of all the victims from the tragic train accident in Santiago de Compostela."
- Chelsea's Juan Mata García tweeted: "Really shocked with the train crash in Santiago. All my support for the families and friends of all the victims #ÁnimoGalicia" (MARCA, 7/25).
