Our life collapsed: the heartbreaking testimony of the father of Santiago Castrillón, deceased Millonarios player

Colombian football continues in mourning after the unexpected death of young Santiago Castrillón, an 18-year-old midfielder belonging to the lower divisions of Millonarios F.C., which occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 21, in Bogotá. This youth lost his life after collapsing on the field during a U-20 match against Santa Fe. His father recounted the details of Santiago's story, remembering the great path he had forged until now. His death was so impactful that many players, including Falcao García, and various clubs, local and international, such as Real Madrid, have expressed their condolences for this loss. The circumstances of the death were detailed by his family. According to the account of Luis Camarón, the player's stepfather, the collapse occurred after a fortuitous impact during the sports encounter. 'He was playing, he received a ball to the chest, right in the heart and he collapsed, there were some causes in his little heart, it stopped working,' he explained in a recent interview with Caracol TV. Despite medical efforts, lack of cerebral oxygenation during resuscitation maneuvers proved irreversible. 'It was a time, a period that took our son away from us and that caused his brain not to oxygenate completely; that was the last news, that the brain stopped reacting,' added Camarón. The medical team and competent authorities, including Forensic Medicine and the Prosecutor's Office, continue to work on the definitive report to establish the exact causes of the young FPC prospect's death. Castrillón was valued in the Bogotá institution for his technical richness and vision of play, qualities that led him to be called up to the Colombian U-19 National Team. His discipline and ability to command the attack from the midfield made him a key player in the 'Embajador' youth academy. His family recalled that the process with Millonarios represented the fulfillment of a dream that began in his childhood in Santander. Regarding doubts about possible medical history, his family was emphatic in pointing out that the athlete enjoyed full health. 'Santi was a healthy man. Besides being an athlete, he was a boy who stayed healthy, ate a lot, had an exercise routine. There was never anything and in his Millonarios exams he always came out well,' clarified his stepfather to the mentioned media. This young man, who began his career at Guayos FC, traveled from the age of 13 to the city of Bogotá in pursuit of his dream, accompanied by his family, being distinguished both personally and professionally. Furthermore, he was one of the pioneers in that team. Beyond his athletic conditions, the 18-year-old was described by his loved ones and close friends as the emotional engine of his home. Communication with his parents was daily and rigorous before each training session. 'He always communicated, he was that little person who told us at 8:00 in the morning: 'Dad, I'm going to train now,' or 'Dad, I'm going to warm up for the game.' I love you, he told me with all his soul, as I told him, I love you, I love you, and it was always a routine, a message, hearing that word and feeling that. That illusion ended for us and we feel like our life completely collapsed,' remembered Luis Camarón tearfully. The impact of his departure has generated a wave of solidarity in national football. His family highlighted the affection received in recent hours as a reflection of the footballer's human quality. 'Santiago was an exceptional son, he was affectionate, he was tender, he was wonderful with us. It wasn't his football career, it was life that mattered to us,' he concluded.