Colombian soccer player Andres Escobar
One of the most oft-heard clichés in soccer is legendary manager Bill Shankley's assertion that "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that." Unfortunately for Colombian player Andrés Escobar, that prophecy came true.
During the 1994 World Cup, the Colombian team lost 2-1 to their American hosts, with Escobar scoring in his own goal, leading to their elimination. Upon his return home he was shot and killed. The murder is widely believed to be a punishment for the own goal, though it may well have been linked to heavy gambling losses accrued by drug lords who bet on the team.