Tragedy Strikes in Peru: Footballer Killed and Multiple Players Injured by Lightning Strike In Match

Though death is unavoidable in life, it is especially felt in society when a football player dies on the pitch under unexpected circumstances. Such events spark a lot of conversations about player safety, health procedures, and the frailty of life, leaving supporters and other sportsmen dealing with the unexpected death and its consequences for someone who is one of the fittest individuals on earth.

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A soccer player in Peru passed away following a lightning strike during a game

On November 3, in Huancayo, Peru, a football player lost his life and many others were injured when hit by lightning during a game. José Hugo de la Cruz Meza, 39, the athlete who died on the pitch, has been identified as a defender. Goalkeeper Juan Choca suffered severe burns and is in a critical state.

Local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca were battling a storm at the Coto Coto stadium, at approximately 4:00 PM local time (9:00 PM GMT). A video caught the instant lightning hit, sending many players down on the ground. The video garnered many views on social media as it was shocking to see for many to continue playing a football game in such dangerous weather. 

As participants were leaving the field, the lightning hit only minutes after the referee stopped the game because of the bad weather. Those wounded were quickly sent to Carrión Hospital in Huancayo, where de la Cruz was declared dead upon arrival. 

Manager of the Civil Defence in the region, César Ramos told local media that the lightning hit de la Cruz apparently because he was wearing a metal bracelet, which may have drawn the bolt. "That served like a magnet," he said.

This incident is not unusual; in the Junín area in 2014, Joao Contreras of Sport Águila was hit by lightning during a quarterfinal match but survived.