Peruvian defender José Hugo de la Cruz Meza died a few hours after being struck by lightning this Sunday. His teammate Juan Choca was seriously injured.
Terrible tragedy in Peru. Player José Hugo de la Cruz Meza died on Sunday at the age of 34 after being struck by lightning during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca in Chicha. According to information relayed by Mundo Deportivo, the events occurred around 4 p.m. local time, in the middle of a storm. Lightning then struck as the players returned to the locker room after the match was stopped.
The guard was seriously burned
All the injured were rushed to Carrion Hospital in Huancayo. The death of José Hugo de la Cruz Meza was confirmed by doctors, while his teammate, goalkeeper Juan Choca, is in serious condition and suffers from several burns.
Three other players were injured according to local media: Erick Estiven Ccente Cuyllor (19 years old), Josep Gustavo P. (16 years old) and Cristian César Pituy Cahuana (24 years old). These players also received immediate medical attention. Hospital staff said their condition is stable, although they remain under observation.
