Soccer Player Killed by Lightning Strike During Live TV Game: 'Tragic Accident'
39-year-old defender Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza died after being struck in Peru on Sunday, Nov. 3
39-year-old defender Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza died after being struck in Peru on Sunday, Nov. 3 NDA Deportiva Huancavelica Facebook Match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca at the Coto Coto stadium in Peru:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hugo-de-la-cruz-lightning-football-match-death-110524-1-6b9aa49ec25f4130ba484a3f03a47d35.jpg "Thunder could be heard when the match between Juventud Bellavista and Unión Deportivo Familia Chocca was being played at the Coto Coto stadium, Chilca district in Huancayo, when they were leaving the field, lightning struck a player, the electric shock killed José Hugo De la Cruz, also leaving several injured.")
A soccer player has died after being struck by lightning midway through a live TV game.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, 39, was killed after the bolt hit him during a game between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca at Coto Coto Stadium in Peru, reported multiple outlets including CNN, Spanish language newspaper Marca and U.K. newspaper The Telegraph,
It came just moments after the game had been suspended at 22 minutes due to the harsh weather conditions, the outlets added.
De La Cruz Meza was reportedly walking off the pitch with his teammates when he was struck.
In a video shared on X, players were captured walking off the field before collapsing after the impact. Several of the players remained on the ground, struggling to get back up.
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Marca reported that four other players, ranging from the age of 16 to 24, were also injured in the freak event.
According to The Telegraph, this included goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, who suffered serious burns and is being treated at a nearby hospital.
“We join in solidarity and extend our sincere condolences to the family of young Hugo De La Cruz, who, after being struck by lightning, unfortunately lost his life while being taken to the hospital,” the local municipality wrote in a statement on Facebook in Spanish. “We also express our support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the other four players injured in this tragic accident.”
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"We send our fraternal embrace to the families in this moment of immense pain, and we reiterate our commitment to accompany them in these difficult times."
According to CNN, state news agency Andina reported that two players had been discharged from hospital by Monday evening, while two more were still under observation.
The outlet added that Llacta remained in critical condition but his condition had improved.
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