A few weeks ago, Costa Rican soccer player Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz tragically lost his life after being attacked by a crocodile. His death has left the little Costa Rican hamlet in shock.
Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, also known as Chucho, left behind his wife and two children, Derian and Eithan. Chucho played the role of a midfielder in the third division of the Costa Rican Amateur Soccer League for his club Deportive Rio Canas. Moreover, he also worked as a part-time coach as he had his coaching license.
Ortiz reportedly lost his life on July 29 due to an attack by a crocodile that was residing in the Canas River. The player went for a swim to cool off his body after exercising. However, it is still unknown if the player died from severe loss of blood or because of the injuries he sustained.
Crocodile devours football player in horrifying incident in Costa Rica#soccerplayer #shocking #costarica #SportsToday pic.twitter.com/N8je06pezK
— Sports Today (@SportsTodayofc) August 5, 2023
The player dived into the river despite knowing that the river is infamous for several deaths by crocodile attacks. In a video, the reptile was seen dragging his body to the bottom of the Canas River.
The body was still in the clutches of the crocodile when it emerged again after some time. Therefore, the authorities had to shoot down the reptile to retrieve the body from its clutches.
Oritz’s family and friends urged people not to circulate the devastating videos of the attack that ended the player’s life.
Deportivo Rio Canas mourns the loss of Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz
The player’s club, Deportive Rio Canas, shared their statement on their official Facebook page, thus, confirming to the local fans the devastating demise of the player.
The statement read, “With deep sorrow, we make public the death of our player Jesus Lopez Ortiz (Chucho) may God rest his soul. 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.”
The statement further continued, “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.”
Chucho was laid to eternal rest on August 1 in a night procession in the Guanacaste Province. The footage of the procession was posted by his club Deportive Rio Canas on their social media page.
Mourners were seen lining up by the side of the road as the 29-year-old’s coffin passed by. Furthermore, they held white heart-shaped balloons, trophies, and portraits of the player.
After the funeral, Ortiz’s family thanked the mourners for their immense support during one of the hardest times of their lives and hoped for the well-being of the supporters.