The 29-year-old footballer was involved in a motorcycle collision on the Gandhi Road flyover near Christian College.
According to police reports, the accident occurred around 10:40 pm when the motorcycle carrying Rijohn and his Calicut FC teammate Gani Ahammed Nigam collided with another two-wheeler coming from the opposite direction. Both players fell on the road and sustained injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Rijohn was declared dead.
Gani Ahammed Nigam, who has also represented Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, survived the accident and is undergoing treatment. Police reports say his condition is stable. Nadakkavu police also registered a case after a complaint from the Calicut FC manager against the rider of the other motorcycle.
Rijohn Jose was a native of Ollur in Thrissur and had built his football career through appearances for several clubs. He had previously played for teams including Sreebhumi FC, George Telegraph SC, FC Deccan, Wayanad United and Forca Kochi. He was part of the Calicut FC squad that won the inaugural Super League Kerala title in 2024.
Rijohn had joined Calicut FC ahead of the 2026 Super League Kerala season after his stint with Forca Kochi. He was listed among the club’s defenders for the upcoming campaign, while Gani Nigam was also part of the squad.
The accident comes just days before the new Super League Kerala season was scheduled to begin, leaving the club and the wider Kerala football fraternity in shock. Calicut FC had been preparing for the new campaign when the tragedy struck.
Rijohn’s death at just 29 has brought an abrupt end to the career of a footballer who represented several clubs across Kerala and beyond. His passing has prompted condolences from the football community as teammates, supporters and officials remember the young defender.
