Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Life of Peruvian Soccer Player

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Huancayo, Peru, where a soccer player lost his life after being struck by lightning during a regional tournament match. The player, José Hugo De la Cruz Meza, was participating in a game between two local teams, C.D. Juventud Bellavista and U.D. Familia Chocca, when the tragic event occurred.

According to reports from the Peruvian newspaper La República and other local media outlets, the game was interrupted due to worsening weather conditions. As the players began to leave the field, a sudden bolt of lightning struck, leading to a devastating scene that was captured on video. The footage shows a bright flash followed by players collapsing to the ground in an instant.

José Hugo De la Cruz Meza was rushed to a nearby hospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival. In addition to Mr. De la Cruz Meza, four other players were injured in the incident and required hospitalization. Fortunately, all of them have since been discharged and are recovering.

One of the injured players, Juan Chocca, who is also the brother-in-law of Mr. De la Cruz Meza, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the strike. He shared with La República, “I was just walking out with Hugo, hugging each other. I took three steps after letting go of him, and then the lightning struck us.” This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by thunderstorms and the importance of seeking shelter during such severe weather conditions.