Football referee dies after collapsing on the pitch during a match; see video
During a Bolivian league game between Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero, a referee died from a heart attack after collapsing on the pitch. Victor Hugo Hurtado, 31, was match referee in the game and collapsed in the 47th minute after suffering from a heart attack.
According to a BBC report, Always Ready doctor Eric Kosziner said that the referee has one heart attack on the field and another after arriving at the hospital. The match was being played at an altitude 12,795 feet and that is being said to be the reason behind the attacks.
The video of the incident is being shared on social media where Victor can be seen toppling backward during the match, with players from both sides rushing over and calling for treatment.
#TRAGEDIA 📹
— LUĮS ENRĮQUĘ ĄLFØNZØ (@LEAdeportes) May 19, 2019
Muere árbitro en plena cancha
Se desplomó en el césped al minuto 50 de juego...
Víctor Hugo Hurtado tenía 32 años
Se cree que fue debido a un infarto
Ocurrió en Bolivia... pic.twitter.com/AaGTdy2XU8
The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, wrote on Twitter, “We regret the passing of referee Victor Hugo Hurtado.”
The match was played at Always Ready’s municipal stadium, which is at very high altitude. The match was goalless when Victor collapsed and finished with Always Ready winning by 5-0.
Bolivian football also expressed their condolences and solidarity toward the family, friends and colleagues of Victor.
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First published: 21 May 2019, 9:41 IST