Freddy Rincon’s devastated son sends plea to ‘real driver’ of car after ‘two men seen fleeing scene’ that killed dad
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FREDDY RINCON'S son has pleaded with the driver of the car that crashed killing the former footballer to hand themselves into the police.
Rincon was initially identified as the driver of the Ford Escape that was hit by a bus after going through a red light in the Colombian city of Cali on Monday.
But subsequent reports pointed to him being the passenger.
Video footage of the collision appeared to show two men believed to be travelling in the car with Rincon leaving the scene and getting into a taxi.
Two women in the vehicle were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The retired footballer suffered severe head injuries and medics quickly admitted his condition was critical.
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He underwent a three-hour operation but died from his injuries.
Lorena Cortes, one of the two women travelling with Rincon, has told investigators the retired footballer was driving but his family have emphatically denied her claims.
In a direct message to the as-yet-unidentified person Freddy’s family insist was at the wheel, son Sebastian said: “I hope he tells the truth.
“We hope God sees to it justice is done, that state prosecutors do their job. The only thing I can say is that my dad wasn’t driving.
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“That leaves me feeling very calm because with all the false accusations, the truth will come out."
Freddy’s funeral is due to take this weekend in Cali, where three days of mourning have been declared.
On Thursday his body was taken to the coastal seaport city of Buenaventura where he was born so locals could pay homage to him.
City firefighters put his coffin on a fire truck and took it to the neighbourhood where he grew up before leaving it at his mum’s house so family and close friends could pay their last respects.
SON PRAISES HIS 'IDOL'
Freddy’s body was due to be flown back to Cali ahead of a wake fans and well-wishers have been invited to attend and the funeral.
Son Sebastian, who himself is a footballer playing for Boca Juniors, paid a glowing tribute to his "idol".
He posted a photo of him holding Freddy’s hand in hospital earlier this week while he still was fighting for life after the horror crash on Monday.
In his first comments on social media since medics confirmed the 55-year-old’s death on Thursday, the 28-year-old said: “And you left me my old man. I never thought my idol would leave my side so quickly at some point.
“But life is like that and God’s will, although at times you don’t understand it, is perfect.”
Writing alongside a photo of Rincon laughing in a crowded street, he added: “Thank you God for giving me such a father who with his virtues and defects was the best dad you could have given me.
“Thank you for giving the world so much happiness with your smile and of course your football. As I always said I love you my idol.
“Fly high and look after us from Heaven. I’m going to make sure from here that you are prouder of me every day, I promise.”
Thank you for giving the world so much happiness with your smile and of course your football.
Sebastian Rincon
Rincon played in three World Cups in the 1990s and scored 17 goals in his 84 appearances for the Colombia national team.
As well as Real Madrid and Corinthians, Rincon also played for Napoli in Italy and Palmeiras and Santos in Brazil.
His most important and most memorable goal is the one he scored against West Germany in Milan on 19 June during the 1990 World Cup.
He fired the ball through the legs of the German keeper late on in the game to secure the draw his team needed to avoid elimination from the tournament at the group stages.
Brazilian club Corinthians, which Rincon also played for and helped win titles including the first Fifa Club World Cup in 2000, said in a tweet after learning of his death: “It’s with great sadness that we say goodbye to a great idol.
“Our captain in our first world title, Freddy Rincon, died in the early hours of this Thursday.
“He will be eternally in our hearts.”
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Santos, another of his clubs, said: “Santos FC deeply regrets the death of former footballer Freddy Rincon.
“The Colombian legend played for us between the years 2000 and 2001.
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“Our condolences to the star’s family and friends, who will never be forgotten by Santos and our supporters.
“Rest in peace Rincon.”
