In brief
José Hugo De la Cruz Meza dies, while four other players hospitalized following a lightning strike incident during a regional tournament.
In a heartbreaking incident on November 5, 2024, a soccer player named José Hugo De la Cruz Meza lost his life after a lightning strike during a regional tournament match in Huancayo, Peru. The match, featuring the local teams C.D. Juventud Bellavista and U.D. Familia Chocca, was temporarily halted due to worsening weather conditions. However, as players started to leave the field, lightning struck, resulting in chaos.Local news reports, including from La República, indicate that the incident was captured on video, showing the moment when several players collapsed to the ground following a blinding flash of light. José Hugo De la Cruz Meza was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. In addition, four other players were injured and required hospitalization, but they have since been discharged.Eyewitness Juan Chocca, who is also Mr. De la Cruz Meza’s brother-in-law, recounted the harrowing moment: “I was just walking out with Hugo hugging each other. I took three steps after letting go of him, and the lightning struck us.” This event highlights the unpredictable and often deadly risks associated with outdoor activities during storms, serving as a reminder for all sporting events to prioritize player safety in inclement weather.
