Calicut FC footballer Rijohn Jose, 29, dies in Kozhikode crash

Calicut FC footballer Rijohn Jose, 29, perished in a traffic collision in Kozhikode on Sunday night, just prior to the debut of the new Super League Kerala season. The young player was riding a motorcycle alongside fellow Calicut FC teammate Gani Ahmed Nigam when their vehicle collided with another motorcycle near Christian College on Gandhi Road flyover around 10:30 PM.

Both men were taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, but Rijohn succumbed to his injuries at approximately 12:15 AM. Gani Ahmed, who also plays for Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, sustained severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan expressed his condolences, acknowledging Rijohn as a vital contributor to Calicut FC’s 2024 Super League Kerala-winning squad.

The accident occurred following Calicut FC's announcement of its squad for the upcoming season, with training sessions already underway in Kozhikode. Rijohn had a history of playing for various clubs including FC Deccan, Wayanad United, George Telegraph, and Forca Kochi in the previous Super League Kerala edition. Gokulam Kerala FC, another participating team, offered its deepest sympathies to Rijohn's family, teammates, and the Calicut FC community, emphasizing their shared grief and offering support during this challenging period.