A wave of grief has swept through the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) after news of a student’s sudden death in Teruel. Javier Gómez, a Sports Science student at the UMH Elche campus, passed away early Thursday following a bicycle collision with a vehicle carrying his parents.
The tragedy reached the town of Teruel, specifically the village of Villaspesa, where the incident occurred on the TE-6014 highway around 21:30 on Wednesday. Initial reports suggest a rear-end collision caused by sudden braking, though Civil Guard investigators are considering multiple scenarios, including the possibility that the cyclist was traveling too close to the car in front and collided with it.
Javier was admitted to Obispo Polanco Hospital in Teruel with serious injuries to the head and chest and died several hours later. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
He was a second-year student in Sport Sciences at UMH, widely regarded as an excellent student who was cherished by classmates and instructors alike.
The university community marked the moment with a deep silence across hallways and offices on Thursday. Faculty members, stunned by the news, shared their memories and expressed their condolences as the campus began to process the loss.
Discretion
Friends and colleagues planned to pay their respects with tributes and a moment of reflection during Thursday afternoon activities. Graduation events at the university included messages of condolence, and many spoke of the impact Javier had on those around him. A professor noted how difficult it was to absorb the loss and spoke warmly of Javier’s dedication to his studies and passion for sport.
Javier was known for his enthusiasm for cycling and for bringing energy to his group. His death has shocked the university community, leaving many to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of safety on the road.
According to reports from Heraldo.es, Javier had returned to Teruel to spend the summer with his family. The accident occurred on TE-6014, a route that connects the rural areas of Villaspesa and La Aldehuela. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after the crash, with responders working to manage the scene and provide care.
The investigation continues to determine the exact sequence of events. Those who were in the vehicle involved in the crash, as well as residents of the surrounding area, are processing the incident and offering support to family and friends. The university community and local residents are united in honoring the memory of a young man who carried big dreams and a clear love for sport.
At UMH, the memory of Javier Gómez will endure among those who knew him and among the broader sports and academic communities. His impact on peers and mentors remains evident in the expressions of sympathy and in the shared commitment to safety and well-being for all students who pursue athletic passions.