Joao Maleck© GettyImages

Mexican Soccer player Joao Maleck charged with homicide following fatal car accident with newlywed couple


JUNE 23, 2019 6:00 PM EDT

Following the fatal car accident in which Mexican soccer player Joao Maleck, 20, was involved, it has come to light that the two people who died in the tragedy were newlyweds who were on their way to their wedding banquet. The collision took place around 9am on Sunday, June 23 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico - where Joao was on vacation. The rising soccer star, who was a member of Mexican soccer team Santos now plays for Sevilla Atlético Club.

© todoelfutbolmexicano

Joao was involved in a fatal car crash on Sunday June 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico Photo: @todoelfutbolmexicano

Joao, who is confirmed to not have suffered fatal injuries, was taken to a medical center and is currently being detained under investigation. The couple who lost their lives were married the day before the accident but were hosting their celebration on Sunday.

SEE MORE ABOUT JOAO'S NIGHT OUT: 

If sentenced, Joao could face four to ten years in prison. However, in Mexico, these kind of incidents are eligible for a fine, meaning he won’t necessarily have to do jail time.

© GettyImages

Joao currently plays for Sevilla FC

The soccer striker, whose mother is from Mexico and father is soccer player Jean-Claude Maleck, from Cameroon, got his start in the sport with the Chivas team of Guadalajara. He was then brought into the Porto Football Club before joining Sevilla AC.

Update: Joao Maleck is being charged with homicide in his native Mexico after it was confirmed he was intoxicated when he hit a vehicle from behind on Sunday, June 23. Because he wasn’t tested for alcohol immediately after the incident, his test results showed up to be negative. However, authorities believed it was necessary to do a urine test procedure (as it retains traces of alcohol for longer), which led to positive results.