Diogo Jota’s grandfather says he learned of forward’s death on TV in first interview

Fernando Silva, the grandfather of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, said he first learned of the deaths of Jota and his brother when he turned on his television, the family’s first account since the brothers were killed in a crash on July 3.

In his first interview since the accident, Silva said he "heard about it on television" and initially "only knew about Diogo." He described being outside watering plants when a son-in-law urged him to come inside, saying, "Come inside, come inside, it's late." Silva said he thinks about his grandsons "every day."

Diogo Jota, 28, and his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, were driving through northern Spain in an acid green Lamborghini Huracan when the crash occurred on July 3. The deaths sent the football community into a period of shock and mourning, with clubs, teammates and supporters paying tribute at stadiums in the days and months that followed.

The tragedy came less than two weeks after Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso. Jota and Cardoso had three young children together. The crash also occurred roughly two months after Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, secured the English league title, a campaign in which Jota had been a key contributor.

Silva’s interview is the first extended family comment since immediate tributes and statements were issued by Liverpool and across world football. The club expressed deep sorrow at the time and players, past and present, observed moments of silence and other remembrances at matches. Teammates and opponents offered condolences publicly, and fans have continued to leave tributes at Anfield and other venues.

Authorities in Spain conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Local emergency services responded to the scene; no further details were disclosed in Silva’s interview about the crash investigation or the findings of local authorities.

Family members have spoken sparingly since the accident, and Silva’s comments give a glimpse into private grief. He said the loss is a constant presence and described the shock of learning the news as he turned on a television at home. The football community has continued to publicly mourn the brothers, while private family members have sought to process the sudden loss.

Liverpool has not issued an immediate new statement following Silva’s interview. The club previously asked for privacy for the family and acknowledged the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. As investigations and inquiries into the crash continue at the local level, Silva’s account provides a personal timeline of how one family member first learned of the deaths and underscores the ongoing impact on relatives and the wider football community.