Stephen Warnock believes Liverpool supporters will help to support each other through a difficult time after Diogo Jota's passing, while also rallying round to help his friends and family.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain shortly after midnight local time on Thursday. 

The crash took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. Jota's brother was 26 and also a professional footballer. He played for Portuguese second-tier team Penafiel.

Jota played 182 matches across all competitions for Liverpool following his move from Wolves in 2020, scoring 65 goals and registering 26 assists. 

He helped Arne Slot's team to the Premier League title last season, while also lifting the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2021-22, going on to win the latter again in 2023-24. 

"Probably like everyone else, complete shock," Warnock, who played for Liverpool between 2002 and 2007, exclusively told Stats Perform when asked for his reaction to the news. 

"Sort of one of those moments where you're hoping it's not true. I think that was probably the part where everyone was hoping that it was false news, but sadly it's not.

"And obviously I think one of the main things I've sort of taken away from this is that it's not just Diogo Jota, it's his brother as well, Andre Silva.

"Obviously, Diogo is a bigger name, but the family, what they must actually be going through now as a collective, is just absolutely horrendous."

The news has seen several tributes paid to Jota, with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp posting emotional messages. 

Liverpool said they were "devastated" by Jota's death, while Wolves, whom the striker played for three years, described him as an "adored" member of their squad. 

Warnock lived near Jota in Liverpool and believes the people of Merseyside will ensure his memory lives on.

He also feels supporters will offer support to each other as they continue to come to terms with the loss of one of their beloved players. 

"Well, condolences, obviously," Warnock said in his message to the friends and family of Jota. 

"I think it's very difficult to say anything because, no matter what you say or what you do, it is not going to bring back what they are desperate to have and that is Diogo and his brother, and that's the heartbreaking part about it. 

"He has left them incredible memories, I'm sure, both as a husband in such a short time and as a partner, but also as a father to three children. They'll cherish those memories even more now.

"But I think from a club point of view, from Liverpool, from a city point of view, the club and the fans will rally round as much as they can. They will offer everyone as much support as possible.

"And I think it's times like this when we see the true football community really come together.

"We are already seeing that across social media, from the messages from football clubs around the world.

"It's an extremely difficult time for everyone because they put themselves in the situation of Liverpool Football Club and the family as well and just think how difficult that must be."