A 39-year-old Peruvian soccer player passed away during a match after being struck by lightning when he was walking off the pitch.
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This happened in Sunday's matchup between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca at Coto Coto stadium in Huancayo, Peru.
The game had been suspended after 22 minutes due to thunderstorms in the area. Then as the players walked off, Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza tragically was hit by lightning, and he immediately died.
As could be seen in the video, multiple players immediately dropped to the ground when the lighting struck.
In particular, seven of the players who were surrounding Meza suffered injuries. This included goalkeeper Juan Chocca Llacta, 40, who was standing right beside him.
The rest of the players and fans raced out of the venue and ultimately, the rest of the game was canceled.
Three other individuals, two teenagers, aged 16 and 14, and a 24-year-old male were also taken to the hospital, and are now in stable condition.
According to reports from authorities, it is believed that Meza's metal bracelet on his wrist is what acted as a "magnet" for the contact with the lightning.
To point out, a similar incident also happened in Peru during 2014, the victim suffered second-degree burns but survived.
In the wake of Sunday's tragedy, Lucho Duarte wrote on X, and when translated read: "This unfortunate event reminds us of the importance of lightning protection, especially at outdoor events."
Stating that it is vital to "educate the population about protection measures."
Related: 27-Year-Old Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Passes Away After Collapsing During A Game In Brazil
