The player was walking off the pitch after the game had been paused due to a storm just before lightning struck.
The soccer player was hit by lightning and killed on November 4, 2024. The incident occurred at Coto Coto stadium in the town of Chilca, about 70 kilometers southeast of Lima, Peru.
Authorities have identified the deceased player as 39-year-old defender Hugo De La Cruz. In footage broadcast by local TV station Onda Deportiva Huancavelica, De La Cruz and several players are seen falling face-first to the ground as lightning strikes the field.
A spark and a small puff of smoke appear near one of the players, and moments later, some players are seen struggling to stand.
Lightning strikes pose a serious threat, often resulting in severe injuries and, in rare cases, fatalities. Sadly, for De La Cruz, the lightning strike resulted in the loss of his life. The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the match between local teams Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca.
Mayor Cesar Damas Laurente led the District Municipality of Chica in mourning Hugo. He wrote in a statement, “We join in solidarity and extend our sincere condolences to the family of Hugo De La Cruz, who, after being struck by lightning, sadly lost his life while being transported to the hospital.”
A lightning bolt | Source: Getty Images
Laurente also wished speedy recovery to four other players who were injured. The four were taken to Regional Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion in Huancayo, and as per, Jorge Rojas Ayre, the hospital director, these players were treated and discharged.
Ayre also added, “Upon arrival, they had temporary effects such as neurological disturbances, loss of consciousness, visual disorders, and cardiovascular alterations, but over the hours, the team’s management has improved, as well as the first-degree burns.”
Laurente deeply regrets the unfortunate incident, noting, “We send our fraternal embrace to the families during this time of immense grief, and we reaffirm our commitment to accompany them through these difficult moments.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the odds of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million. Nearly 90% of those struck survive; however, the impact can lead to serious, long-term effects. Survivors often face debilitating injuries, including burns, as well as symptoms like seizures and memory loss.
