Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, a football player known as Chucho, tragically lost his life in Costa Rica’s Santa Cruz region in the northwest of the country.
He featured for Deportivo Río Canas in the Costa Rican Ascenso League. The cause of his death was an attack by a crocodile.
According to the Police, Chucho was attacked by the crocodile in the Canas river, and it remains uncertain whether he drowned or succumbed to the animal’s pressure during the attack.
Witnesses to the incident recounted that the 29-year-old player jumped from a bridge into the waters of the Canas river while he was exercising. Unfortunately, the crocodile’s attack led to his tragic demise.
The local Red Cross confirmed that the crocodile dragged his body away. To retrieve Lopez‘s remains, the police had to use firearms to shoot down the crocodile. Deportivo Rio Canas issued a statement confirming his passing.
“With deep sorrow we make public the death of our player Jesus Lopez Ortiz (Chucho) may God rest his soul,” the statement read.
“Rest in Peace Chucho, we join the pain of all his family. We will miss you. You are taking a part of all of us with you, dear friend.
“Today is a very difficult day for all of us and we will remember you in the many facets of your sporting life as a coach, player and also as a family man. You will always live in our hearts Chucho. Fly high.”