FFB: They Made Belize Their Home and Touched Countless Lives

The football community is in mourning after the tragic deaths of 21-year-old Sidney Montenegro Ruiz and her 20-year-old brother, David Luis Montenegro, who died in a road accident on Sunday evening near Bladden Village, Toledo District.

“Tonight the Football family mourns,” said the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) in a statement.  “We at the FFB honor their memory and extend our deepest condolences to their family, teammates, friends, and all who were touched by their lives.”

The FFB paid tribute to Sidney’s achievements and passion for the sport, noting, “Her dedication and talent helped lead the team to victory, and on May 31st, she proudly celebrated winning the Premier Women’s League of Belize (PWLB) championship, an achievement that earned her team the honour of representing Belize in the upcoming UNCAF tournament this July.”

The federation described her as someone whose presence was “marked by love, joy, and a radiant smile” and praised David as her “greatest supporter and constant companion.” According to the federation, David had graduated from Independence High School just the day before the accident.

The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. between Miles 62 and 63 on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway. Police reported finding a brown Wingle pickup overturned in a roadside drain. Reports are that the siblings were returning to Bella Vista Village from a day at the Bladen River when the driver, David, reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

The siblings were found unresponsive at the scene and were later pronounced dead at Southern Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, 42-year-old teacher Asucion Tush was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

“Sidney and David made Belize their home and touched countless lives with their warmth, passion, and unwavering spirit,” the FFB added.