Footballer killed on Kozhikode flyover as club prepares for Super League Kerala
Kozhikode — A 29-year-old footballer of Calicut FC, Rijohn Jose, died after a collision between two motorcycles on the Gandhi Road flyover near Christian College late on Sunday, police said on Monday. Another player travelling with him, identified as Gani Ahammed Nigam, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Police said the accident took place at around 10.30–10.40 pm when the motorcycle carrying the two players collided with another two-wheeler coming from the opposite direction. Both riders fell on the road and were rushed to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Rijohn was declared dead at the hospital; Nigam was reported to be in stable condition.
- Victim: Rijohn Jose, 29, native of Ollur, Thrissur, and a Calicut FC player.
- Injured: Gani Ahammed Nigam, team-mate and Santosh Trophy player for Kerala.
- Location: Gandhi Road flyover, near Christian College, Kozhikode.
- Timing: collision around 10.30–10.40 pm on Sunday; death confirmed at hospital later that night.
- Action: Nadakkavu police registered a case against the rider of the other motorcycle after a complaint by Calicut FC’s manager; postmortem to be completed before body release.
Local football calendar and preparations
The accident came just days before the start of the Super League Kerala (SLK), scheduled to begin on 25 September. Calicut FC had announced its squad earlier on Sunday and had begun preparations for the tournament; both players had reached Kozhikode as part of the club’s pre-season arrangements.
It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Rijohn Jose of Calicut FC. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Calicut FC family.
The message above reflects condolences posted by fellow clubs and Calicut FC on social media following the death. Rijohn had been a familiar presence in Kerala domestic football, having played as a defender for Forca Kochi in the previous SLK edition before returning to Calicut FC for the current season.
Police steps and next procedures
Nadakkavu police, acting on a complaint lodged by Calicut FC’s manager, registered a case against the rider of the motorcycle that collided with the footballers’ vehicle, the PTI report said. Authorities will conduct a postmortem examination before handing over the body to relatives. Further details about the cause of the collision and possible charges will depend on the ongoing police probe and hospital reports.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rijohn Jose, 29, native of Ollur, Thrissur |
| Injured | Gani Ahammed Nigam (hospitalised, condition reported stable) |
| Location | Gandhi Road flyover near Christian College, Kozhikode |
| Time | Collision around 10.30–10.40 pm; death declared later that night |
| Police action | Case registered by Nadakkavu police; postmortem pending |
The death has been met with messages of condolence from clubs across the state. Gokulam Kerala FC and Calicut FC posted sympathies on social platforms, expressing support to Rijohn’s family, teammates and the club. Rijohn began his professional career with FC Deccan and had represented several clubs across Kerala and neighbouring regions before joining Forca Kochi and later Calicut FC.
Road safety on busy flyovers and city thoroughfares has been a recurring concern in Kozhikode. Local residents and civic activists regularly call for improved lighting, clearer lane demarcation and stronger enforcement of helmet and speed regulations to reduce such tragedies. Police investigators said they will examine the circumstances of the collision, including speed, lane discipline and helmet use, as part of the inquiry.
Further updates will follow as official hospital reports and the police investigation conclude and the club communicates funeral arrangements.
