RIVER Plate star Elias Gomez's mum and sister have been killed in a horror car crash in Argentina.
The football club shared the tragic news on Twitter earlier this morning.
The star's mum, Zunilda, 66, and sister, Melani, 25, were reportedly killed instantly in a road crash that involved two cars and a truck with a trailer.
The horror accident took place in Ramallo, Buenos Aires.
The pair's car was left crushed under the truck's trailer while the other vehicle involved was left overturned on the highway as they tried to avoid the crash.
Local media has reported that the truck driver, a 44-year-old man, was arrested by Ramallo authorities and was accused of "culpable homicide".
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Zunilda and Melani had been returning from celebrating River Plate winning the league title with Elias, who plays as a left-back for the club.
The Buenos Aires giants won the elite Argentina’s Professional League Primera Division title with two match days to spare – finishing with a 3-1 home win over Estudiantes.
The football club wrote on social media: "We embrace and accompany our player Elias Gomez in pain at the unfortunate news of the death of his mother Zunilda and his sister Melani in an accident.
"Strength, Elias. All River is with you".
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Fans across social media have paid tribute to the athlete's late mum and sister with one writing: "It's amazing how life can change from one moment to the next.
"Football takes a backseat when these kinds of tragedies happen. Strength to him and his entire family. An immense pain to have to communicate this news. RIP".
And a River Plate fan account on Twitter said: "All of River accompanies Elias Gómez in these difficult times for him, may the Club provide him with everything he needs and support him at this time".
Elias, 29, began his career in professional football in 2006 after joining the Rosario Central youth team.
He quickly shot through the ranks and in 2016, he began playing for Defensa y Justicia, playing twelve matches before returning to Rosario in June 2017.
In January 2019, Elias joined Argentinos Juniors on loan and scored his first senior goal the following month against Estudiantes.
In January 2020, the club purchased Elias permanently as the defender signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Argentinos.
At the end of January 2022, the star joined River Plate on a deal until the end of 2025.
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