IRVINE, CA — The Southern California soccer community is in mourning after two promising athletes, Jacob Labib and Mina Sabet, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Irvine on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Both young men were members of the SoCal Reds FC, a club widely respected for developing talented players and fostering a deep love for the game.
According to authorities, the crash occurred late Saturday evening in Irvine. Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, both Labib and Sabet were pronounced dead. Investigators have not yet released full details regarding the circumstances of the accident, and the cause remains under review by local law enforcement.
The devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit soccer community in Southern California. Coaches, teammates, and supporters of SoCal Reds FC gathered throughout the weekend to grieve together and pay tribute to the lives of two athletes remembered not only for their skill on the field but also for their character and friendship off it.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” a spokesperson for SoCal Reds FC said in a statement. “Jacob and Mina were more than players — they were family. Their energy, dedication, and love for the game inspired everyone around them. We will honor their memory by continuing to play the game with the same passion they showed every day.”
Friends and teammates recalled Labib and Sabet as hardworking, humble, and kind young men who embodied the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Their absence leaves a profound void, not only within the club but also in the lives of those who knew them personally.
The SoCal Reds FC have announced plans to host a memorial in honor of Jacob and Mina, where the community will come together to celebrate their lives and support their grieving families. Vigils are also being planned by fellow players and supporters across the region.
As the investigation continues, the families of both men are asking for privacy during this painful time, while also expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from friends, teammates, and the wider soccer community.
The tragic accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, particularly among those so young and full of promise. For now, Jacob Labib and Mina Sabet will be remembered not only for their talent on the pitch but for the kindness, friendship, and joy they brought to everyone who knew them.