Calicut FC defender Rijohn Jose passes away at 29 after a road accident in Kozhikode

Calicut FC defender Rijohn Jose died aged 29 after a road accident in Kozhikode on Sunday night, leaving Kerala’s football community mourning his sudden death just days before the new Super League Kerala season.

Rijohn, a native of Ollur in Thrissur, was involved in an accident near the Gandhi Road flyover in Kozhikode. He suffered serious chest injuries and was taken to Aster MIMS Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Gani Ahmed Nigam, Rijohn’s Calicut FC teammate who was travelling with him, was also taken to hospital following the accident.

Gani is a Kozhikode-born winger who has represented FC Pune City, Gokulam Kerala, Hyderabad FC, Mohammedan Sporting and NorthEast United at different stages of his career. He has also represented Kerala in the Santosh Trophy.

Rijohn was part of Calicut FC’s title-winning Super League Kerala campaign in 2024 and had also played in the Kerala Premier League. His career included spells with FC Deccan, George Telegraph SC and Forca Kochi.

He had joined Calicut FC ahead of the 2026 Super League Kerala season, with the club due to begin its campaign later this month.

Known as a committed defender, Rijohn had been preparing for the new season with his teammates before the accident.

Following the post-mortem, his body will be kept at Kozhikode Corporation Stadium for public homage before being taken to Ollur. His last rites are scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday at his residence.

Rijohn is survived by his father, Jose MP, mother Treesa Jose and brother Tijo MJ.