Costa Rican footballer eaten by Crocodile while cooling off after training
Since today is Thursday, let’s take a throwback to a chilling event from 2023, when a crocodile claimed the life of a footballer.
Meet Jesús López Ortiz, a Costa Rican footballer who tragically lost his life while trying to cool off after training in Costa Rica.
According to reports, on a hot afternoon of July 29, 2023, Ortiz had just finished training and decided to take a swim in the Cañas River in Guanacaste.
Immediately he dived into the river he was attacked by a Crocodile without even giving him a chance to escape, what was meant to be a refreshing break turned fatal.
A local resident, Marcos Chavarría, said he heard screams for help as someone shouted that a crocodile was attacking his friend.Marcos rushed to the scene, but by the time he arrived, all he could see was a floating cap and bubbles in the water.
He knew it was too late. To his horror, he soon spotted parts of Ortiz’s body in the mouth of a crocodile.
Local wildlife authorities from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) arrived armed and began shooting at the crocodiles to recover whatever remains they could for a proper burial and as the news spread, Oritiz’s club, Rio Cañas FC released a statement mourning his tragic passing.
Official statement from the club
” It is with deep sorrow and immense pain that we confirm the passing of our beloved player, Jesús López Ortiz.Jesús was more than just a footballer, he was a brother, a friend, and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. His passion, dedication, and joyful spirit left a lasting mark on our team and community.The tragic incident that took his life has shocked us all, and we are heartbroken beyond words. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, and family during this incredibly difficult time.In honor of Jesús, Río Cañas FC will retire his jersey number and hold a memorial match in the coming weeks. His legacy will forever live on in our hearts and on the pitch.Rest in peace, Jesús. You will never be forgotten”
Jesús López Ortiz died at the age of 29, leaving behind a wife and two children,adding to the heartbreak, this wasn’t the first time his family had faced such a tragedy, his cousin was also killed by a crocodile 15 years earlier.
