July 9, 2025 | Portugal News Network
After days of speculation, Portuguese authorities have officially confirmed the cause of the car crash that claimed the life of football star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva — and it's not what early reports suggested.
Contrary to initial rumors of a mechanical failure or a tyre blowout, investigators now say the real cause of the tragic incident was a sudden collision with a wild animal crossing the mountain road in Sintra.
📦 The Black Box Tells a Different Story
Police revealed that the black box recovered from Jota’s Lamborghini Huracán STO has provided clear and irrefutable data: the vehicle was moving at approximately 121 km/h (75 mph) when Jota attempted to navigate a dangerous curve marked for 60 km/h. In the middle of the curve, sensors detected a sudden brake and sharp wheel turn, milliseconds before the car lost control and plunged into a ravine.
Tire marks at the scene and footage from a nearby dashcam confirm that a medium-sized animal — possibly a wild boar or deer — darted onto the road, forcing Jota to swerve. The decision to avoid impact, though instinctive, proved fatal.
“This wasn’t recklessness. This was a heartbreaking accident caused by nature’s unpredictability,” said Inspector Marco Teixeira at a press briefing this morning.
🛑 Early Misinformation
Earlier reports circulated widely on social media and some outlets had suggested that the Lamborghini may have suffered a tyre blowout. However, the mechanical inspection has now completely ruled that out. All four tyres were intact prior to impact.
“It’s unfortunate that early speculation misled many,” said Teixeira. “We now have the full picture — and it’s deeply tragic.”
💔 A Community Still in Mourning
Jota’s funeral, held yesterday in Porto, drew thousands of fans, fellow players, and coaches. But news of the official cause has reopened fresh waves of sorrow — and reflection.
“He tried to avoid a life. And lost his own. That’s who he was — compassionate, even in danger,” said former teammate Rúben Neves in a tribute.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a new statement following the findings:
“Diogo Jota’s courage and instinct in that final moment speak volumes of the man he was — a true hero, on and off the pitch.”
As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, fans are now calling for the stretch of road to be reviewed for wildlife protection barriers and improved lighting — a demand that local authorities say they will urgently consider.