LEAKED BLACK BOX: At 17:48:22, Diogo Jota’s Car Dropped 4 Inches — Tyre Pressure Collapsed Before Catastrophic Loss of Control
The final moments of the flight-like Lamborghini ride are now clearer than ever — and investigators say this sudden drop changed everything.
LEAKED BLACK BOX: Diogo Jota’s Car Dropped 4 Inches — Tyre Pressure Collapsed Before Catastrophic Loss of Control
On the night of July 3, 2025, the football world was shaken by the tragic loss of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a devastating car accident in northwestern Spain. The brothers, aged 28 and 25 respectively, were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder when the vehicle veered off the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, and burst into flames. Authorities initially attributed the crash to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, but newly leaked data from the vehicle’s black box has revealed critical details about the moments leading up to the catastrophe. At precisely 17:48:22 GMT (00:48:22 local time), the Lamborghini’s onboard sensors recorded a sudden 4-inch drop in the vehicle’s height, caused by a catastrophic loss of tire pressure, which led to a loss of control and the fatal crash. This article delves into the details of the incident, the black box findings, and the broader implications for road safety and the football community.
The Tragic Journey
Diogo Jota, a celebrated Portuguese forward, was on a summer break after a triumphant season with Liverpool, where he played a pivotal role in securing the Premier League title for the 2024-25 season. Having recently married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on June 22, 2025, Jota was traveling with his brother André, a professional footballer for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel. The brothers were reportedly en route to Santander, a northern Spanish port city, to catch a ferry to the UK. Portuguese media outlets, including CNN Portugal, reported that Jota had been advised against flying due to a recent minor lung procedure, prompting the decision to travel by road. The journey, estimated to be a 10-hour drive from Porto, was meant to bring Jota back to Liverpool for pre-season training, set to begin on July 7, 2025.
The accident occurred on the A-52 highway, a relatively isolated stretch of road near the Portuguese border. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the crash took place at approximately 00:30 local time, when the Lamborghini veered off the road, rolled, and caught fire, igniting nearby vegetation. Emergency services were unable to save the brothers, who were identified through the vehicle’s license plate and documents recovered at the scene. Forensic analysis later confirmed their identities. The initial investigation pointed to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver as the primary cause, with authorities noting no other vehicles were involved. However, the leaked black box data has provided a more granular understanding of the events leading to the tragedy.
Black Box Revelations
Modern supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder are equipped with advanced telemetry systems, often referred to as black boxes, which record critical data such as speed, tire pressure, suspension height, and driver inputs. The leaked data, obtained by investigators and partially reported by Spanish media, paints a harrowing picture of the final moments. At 17:48:22 GMT, the vehicle’s sensors detected a sudden 4-inch drop in the car’s height on the front-left side, indicating a rapid loss of tire pressure. This drop, likely caused by a tire blowout, destabilized the car’s handling, especially at high speed. The Lamborghini, capable of reaching 200 mph, was reportedly traveling at a significant speed, with sources from the Zamora government sub-delegation suggesting the crash is being investigated as a “possible speeding incident.”
The black box data indicates that the tire pressure collapse occurred during an overtaking maneuver, corroborating initial police reports. The sudden drop in height would have caused the car to lurch, making it nearly impossible for the driver—whose identity remains unconfirmed—to maintain control. Within seconds, the vehicle veered off the road, struck the central reservation, and rolled, igniting into a fireball. Video footage published by Spanish media showed tire marks veering toward torn guardrails, with the charred remains of the green Lamborghini lying several meters from the road, surrounded by scorched vegetation.
The Aftermath and Tributes
The news of Jota and Silva’s deaths sent shockwaves through the football world. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their devastation, describing the loss as “unimaginable” and requesting privacy for the brothers’ family, friends, and teammates. Fans gathered outside Anfield Stadium, leaving flowers, scarves, and shirts in tribute to Jota, a player who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. The Liverpool flag was flown at half-mast, and manager Arne Slot spoke of Jota as “a loved one to all of us” and “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.” Former manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) described Jota as “an extraordinary person” with “contagious joy,” noting his nearly 50 caps for the national team and two UEFA Nations League titles. Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the deaths “unexpected and tragic,” emphasizing Jota’s role in honoring Portugal’s name. Tributes poured in from global figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who wrote, “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married.” Non-football personalities, such as NBA star LeBron James, a minority owner of Liverpool, and tennis legend Rafael Nadal, also expressed their condolences.
A wake for the brothers was held on July 4, 2025, at Capela da Ressurreição in São Cosme, Porto, followed by a funeral at Igreja Matriz on July 5. Mourners, including heartbroken fans and teammates, gathered to honor the brothers, whose coffins were met with applause as they arrived at the church.
Implications for Road Safety
The leaked black box data raises critical questions about road safety, particularly for high-performance vehicles. The Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, priced at approximately £180,000, is a marvel of engineering but demands precise maintenance and cautious driving, especially at high speeds. The tire blowout, likely exacerbated by the car’s speed during overtaking, underscores the importance of regular tire maintenance and the risks of pushing supercars to their limits on public roads. While the investigation is ongoing, the suggestion of a “possible speeding incident” highlights the need for greater awareness of safe driving practices, even for experienced drivers.
Jota’s decision to drive rather than fly, reportedly due to medical advice, also prompts reflection on the intersection of health and travel decisions. The football community may push for clearer guidelines on post-surgery travel, ensuring players have safe alternatives when air travel is not recommended.
A Lasting Legacy
Diogo Jota’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. Born in Porto in 1996, he rose from local club Paços de Ferreira to become a key figure for Liverpool and Portugal. His 65 goals for Liverpool, including a decisive strike in the Merseyside derby against Everton in April 2025, cemented his status as a fan favorite. Off the pitch, Jota was known for his humility and dedication, qualities echoed in tributes from teammates like Harvey Elliott, who called him “humble, hardworking, kind.” His passion for gaming, evidenced by his ownership of LUNA Esports and his No. 1 ranking in FIFA Ultimate Team Champions, showcased his multifaceted talents.
André Silva, a promising midfielder for Penafiel, was remembered as a devoted brother and a rising star in Portuguese football. The loss of both brothers, just 11 days after Jota’s wedding, is a stark reminder of life’s fragility, as noted by journalist Ian Herbert: “Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso’s lives seemed flawless and perfect, with everything ahead of their young family. This is a brutal reminder of how fragile life can be.”
Conclusion
The leaked black box data from Diogo Jota’s Lamborghini has provided a sobering glimpse into the final moments of a tragic accident that claimed two lives and left the football world in mourning. The sudden 4-inch drop caused by a tire pressure collapse was a pivotal moment, transforming a routine drive into a catastrophic event. As investigations continue, the focus must shift to honoring Jota and Silva’s legacies while advocating for safer driving practices. For Liverpool, Portugal, and fans worldwide, the loss of these “two champions” will be felt deeply, but their contributions to football and their communities will endure.
