A tragedy has befallen the football community as young Colombian talent Eder Smic Valencia tragically died in a car accident mere days before his anticipated transfer to Major League Soccer team New York Red Bulls.
Valencia, aged 16, perished on Sunday morning (7 September 2025) in a catastrophic vehicle accident on a summer break in Guachene, near Cali, Colombia. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts behind the cash and Valencia’s premature demise.
A promising striker at the outset of his career, Valencia – who initially attracted the attention of New York Red Bulls executives during an Under 16 Bulls Cup in February 2025 – was scheduled to go to the United States this week to finalise a contract with the MLS team.
Promising footballer Eder Smic Valencia tragically dies in a car accident.
During that period, his club – Academia Alemana Popayan (AAF) – utilised social media to announce that their Technical Director and Methodologist Kylrn Brooks-Lynch, who was undertaking an internship with the technical staff of New York Red Bulls, along with the 2009-born Valencia, were in Brazil to participate in the competition.
Furthermore, when his abilities were recognised by coaches domestically and scouts internationally, the teenager was poised to represent Colombia’s Under-17 national team at the 2026 South American Championship.
Reports indicate that the vehicle he was inside was involved in a collision with a tanker truck. The individual was operating a grey vehicle while the unfortunate event transpired.
Academia Alemana Popayan, a club renowned for cultivating youthful potential into international-level players, announced the unfortunate news of his demise. In a statement, they expressed their commitment to supporting his family as they navigate this challenging period.
We regret to announce the demise of our player Eder Smic Valencia Ambuila in a vehicular accident during his vacation in Guachene. We are providing assistance to his family and will commemorate his legacy here at AAFP. He will eternally reside in our hearts.
In a period of sadness, condolences for the young footballer – who was taken prematurely – have inundated the public. “May God embrace you in glory, Eder,” one individual posted on X (previously Twitter), while another remarked: “Strength to his family, friends, and teammates.”
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