Tragic final photos shared by Michael Ballack's son before he died in quad crash

Emilio Ballack, the 18-year-old son of Chelsea football legend Michael Ballack, had shared highlights of a family getaway in Portugal days before he was killed in a quad bike crash

Emilio Ballack’s tragic final photos captured highlights from his family’s summer holiday in Portugal just days before he was killed in a quad bike crash.

The 18-year-old son of German football legend Michael Ballack died at about 2am local time on Thursday, not far from a house his retired father had purchased years ago.

Police said the teen had been riding on an uneven piece of land in Troia, south of Lisbon, when the bike rolled backwards and landed on top of Emilio, crushing him.

Medics rushed to the scene but were unable to revive the teenager, who was pronounced dead at the scene, reportedly near an apartment block known as Villas do Mar.

Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

Emilio appeared to be enjoying his summer break at his family’s estate, just weeks following his school graduation in Munich.

He had been posting updates on his Instagram account, including a selfie in front of dozens of pairs of shoes, and a photo of the sun setting on a Portuguese beach at the weekend.

Another snap showed Comporta Beach Club, a trendy hangout near the scene of Thursday’s crash.

Previous photos showed him wearing a cap and gown on his graduation day in June, having a good time with pals, and taking in a Brooklyn Nets basketball game with his dad.

Michael’s former club Chelsea offered condolences to the family after Emilio’s death was announced.

The club tweeted: “Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Emilio Ballack at the terribly young age of 18.

“All our thoughts are with his father Michael and his family at this sad time.”

A police officer based at Grandola, near, Troia said: “The accident happened at the family home. The quad rider wasn’t on a public road and his was the only vehicle involved.

“The quad was on an uneven piece of land and at this stage it appears to have gone backwards and as it did fell on top of the victim and crushed him.”

The Troia Peninsula, opposite Setubal, where Roma coach Jose Mourinho hails from, is one of the most beautiful coastlines of Portugal with an eight-mile stretch of pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.

The main tourist development of Troia is to the northern tip of the peninsula.

Counselling was offered to Emilio’s family, who were in the house at the time, according to one of the emergency responders.

Emilio is one of three children to former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael, 44, and his wife Simone.

Simone, 45, shared a photo of her and Emilio on his graduation day.

She wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations on your graduation! I’m so proud of you.”

Michael, who retired in 2012 after returning to Bayer Leverkusen, is widely regarded as one of Germany’s best-ever players.

He joined Chelsea in 2006 and won honours in his first season at the club. He left Stamford Bridge after playing part of a league and cup double in 2010.

Michael picked Portugal to rest and recover after having a tumour removed from near his spinal cord last year.

He had a growth discovered on his body during an MRI examination by doctor, according to the German tabloid Bild.

The early detection proved fortunate for him, and the tumour was removed before lab examinations cleared him of any fears the growth was cancerous.