A peaceful evening turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak in North London last night when a distracted driver plowed through a red light, striking a 60-year-old man crossing the street with his family. But the tragic story took an even more devastating turn when emergency crews on the scene identified the injured pedestrian as João Martinelli, father of Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli.
The incident happened around 8:10 p.m. near Upper Street in Islington, just a short distance from the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s iconic home ground. Eyewitnesses report that the driver, a man believed to be in his early 30s, was looking down at his phone as he sped through a red light without slowing, hitting Mr. Martinelli with considerable force while his family watched in horror.
A Scene of Chaos and Shock
According to passersby, the collision’s impact was so severe that it sent the 60-year-old father of the Brazilian international several feet into the air before he landed hard on the asphalt. His family, visiting London for what was meant to be a celebratory family dinner ahead of Arsenal’s weekend clash with Manchester United, rushed to his side as emergency services were called.
“It was absolute chaos,” recounted Lewis Carpenter, an eyewitness who had been walking nearby. “The man never had a chance. The car came out of nowhere. The light was red, and everyone had started crossing, thinking it was safe.”
Ambulance crews arrived within minutes, and while medics fought to stabilize Mr. Martinelli, it wasn’t long before they made a shocking discovery: the man was the father of one of Arsenal’s brightest stars.
Gabriel Martinelli Notified Mid-Training
At the time of the accident, Gabriel Martinelli had been at Arsenal’s London Colney training facility, preparing for what could be one of the most pivotal matches of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign. As soon as club officials were notified of the incident and the identity of the victim, the 23-year-old winger was immediately informed and left the training ground in the club’s private vehicle to be by his father’s side at Royal London Hospital.
An insider close to the club described Martinelli as “devastated, inconsolable, and completely blindsided by the news.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media in a brief, emotionally charged statement late last night:
“This is a deeply personal and tragic moment for Gabriel and his family. The entire Arsenal family stands firmly beside him during this unimaginably difficult time. Football takes a back seat when life delivers blows like this.”
Driver Apprehended, Facing Charges
Metropolitan Police confirmed that the driver was immediately taken into custody at the scene. Preliminary reports indicate he was actively using his phone while operating the vehicle — a clear violation of UK road safety laws.
Detective Inspector Sarah Conway, speaking for the Met Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, stated:
“This was a preventable tragedy caused by reckless behavior. The suspect faces charges of dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and mobile phone use while behind the wheel. We remind all drivers of the devastating consequences of such negligence.”
Football World Rallies Around Martinelli
Since the news broke, tributes and messages of support have poured in for Gabriel Martinelli and his family from teammates, Premier League players, and fans around the world.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard tweeted:
“Our hearts are with you, Gabi. Stay strong, brother. We’re all behind you.”
Former Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now playing in France, posted a message of solidarity on Instagram, while the Brazilian national team released a brief statement expressing their support for one of their rising stars.
A Painful Reminder About Distracted Driving
This horrific incident once again highlights the dangers of distracted driving, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel. Despite years of public safety campaigns, incidents of phone-related collisions continue to plague the UK.
Road safety advocate Natalie Parker, from the charity DriveSafe UK, emphasized:
“It takes less than a second of distraction to destroy lives. No call, text, or notification is worth this.”
The Road Ahead
As of this morning, João Martinelli remains in critical condition, with medical staff indicating that the next 48 hours will be crucial to his survival. Arsenal FC has not yet confirmed whether Gabriel Martinelli will participate in this weekend’s match, though club insiders suggest the player’s priority is his father’s recovery.
London remains stunned by the incident — a grim reminder of how quickly life can turn — and the football world now unites in hope for the recovery of one of their own’s beloved family members.
