Ex-Valencia player José Castillejo, 28, among 205 killed in Spain’s flash floods as club pays tribute to rising star
A FORMER Valencia CF player was tragically killed in the devastating flash floods that rocked Spain.
The Spanish football club has paid tributes to José Castillejo, 28, a midfielder who also played for teams like Torre Levante, Paterna and Eldense.
It said in a statement: "We regret the death of José Castillejo, a victim of the Dana disasters.
"He was part of the club's Academy until his youth stage and has played for several teams in the Valencian Community. RIP."
Eldense also paid tragic tribute to the rising star, saying, "Terrible news comes our way due to the catastrophic DANA.
"We deeply regret José Castillejo's passing at 28, a former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
A young footie star, Castillejo was trained at the Valencia youth academy before playing for local Spanish clubs like Torre Levante, Paterna, Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón, CD Roda and Villamarxant.
He also went on to play for CD Eldense during the 2015-2016 season.
It comes as horror flash floods turned Valencia into an apocalyptic wasteland following Spain's deadly floods.
Officials say 202 people have been killed so far in Valencia with many fearing the casualties will continue to rise in the coming days as the army begins to be rolled out.
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Three deaths were also reported in neighbouring regions - taking the death toll in Spain to 205.
Images from Thursday afternoon show the aftermath of the country's worst natural disaster in living history.
Hundreds of abandoned cars and trucks can be seen trapped in murky brown sludge on the highway.
Civilians were made to ditch their motors as the torrential rainfall and flash floods engulfed much of eastern Spain on Tuesday.
Spain's transport minister has been one of many officials scrambling to try and contain the crisis.
Valencia's regional president has called on the Spanish military to help rescue and ultimately recover those still trapped in their homes and major flood zones.
In a post on X Carlos Mazon said: "I have just requested the incorporation of the army and the available land, sea and air forces to reinforce the logistical tasks and the distribution of aid to the population."
There are already over 1,000 soldiers from Spain's emergency rescue units in Valencia.
Video captured the moment one man in a bright yellow top smashed through a glass door to save children from drowning.
He was forced to wade through the murky water which had risen to waist height before saving several terrified locals.
DEVASTATING FLOODS
Elsewhere, brave rescuers airlifted a baby and an elderly woman from the devastating Spanish floods.
Footage showed how an elderly woman, who seemed to be unable to move, was airlifted in a metal cage.
The roads below her were seen to be covered in mud and cars were piled up on debris.
A separate video showed the heartbreaking moment a baby was saved and airlifted onto a plane in a rescuer's arms, in the country’s worst-hit region of Valencia.
Across the region, trees had been uprooted in the storms and cars had piled up on each other like dominoes.
Powerlines were also brought down as the strength of the unexpected torrent even tore apart bridges sat in its way.
A terrifying video caught the moment an entire bridge in Paiporta, Valencia, where at least 40 people have died, was wiped out in seconds.
It comes as further rainfall is expected tomorrow and in the coming days.
Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez has declared Valencia a disaster zone as he warned the public about the incoming weather.
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He said: "The most important thing is that I know Spanish people are aware that this phenomenon has not finished.
"All of those who have been affected, please stay at home."
