The Uruguayan striker Mathias Acuñawho played in the Ecuadorian first division club Mushuc Runewas found lifeless yesterday in Ambato, at the age of 32. A suicide is suspected, while the club immediately released a statement on its social profiles: “We express our condolences for the death of Mathias Acuña”, broadcast on the channel X.
Luis Changothe president of the team that is preparing to participate in the annual professional tournament that will begin in February, said – according to what was reported by his French colleagues RMC Sports – that Acuña committed suicide in a hotel in the city of Ambato, located 112 km south of the capital Quito: “As an institution, we will provide all our support for the body repatriation procedures. All members of the Mushuc Runa are shocked by this situation.”
The Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) also expressed their condolences: “Deeply saddened by his death. We express our condolences to his family, his teammates and his friends.” Acuña returned to Ecuador on Friday to prepare with his team for the upcoming season. Arrived mid-last year from Greek club Lamia, he was due to participate in the Copa Sudamericano in 2025.
While in-depth investigations are underway by local investigators to better understand the dynamics of the 33-year-old player’s death, it has recently emerged that in Uruguay he had been involved in a case of gender violence. Nothing attributable, at least for the moment, to the hypothesis put forward that Acuña wanted to take his own life.
We extend our note of consideration before the sensible failure of Mathías Acuña 😢💔🕊️
Paz en su tumba.
4/01/2025 pic.twitter.com/pewQoKpAQe— Club Mushuc Runa SC (@ClubMushucRuna1) January 4, 2025