A Peruvian soccer player has died following a violent collision that took place during a match over the weekend.
Helar Gonzales Altamirano, who played for Real Titan NC, was hit in the head by the opposing goalkeeper during his club’s Copa Peru match against Defensor Nueva Cajamarca on Sunday. The goalkeeper was leaping up to catch the ball when he appeared to inadvertently hit Altamirano in the head.
Altamirano laid motionless on the turf following the collision. Players from each team immediately motioned to medical personnel, and Altamirano was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. You can see the play here.
Altamirano’s brother Eliceo told the media in Peru that Helar suffered a ruptured artery in his head. Eliceo had been asking for prayers via social media as of Tuesday but revealed on Thursday that Helar had died.
Real Titan NC issued a statement on Thursday confirming that Altamirano died after spending two days in critical condition at a hospital in Moyobamba, Peru.
“Rest in peace friend. We will remember you for your love of football and your family,” Real Titan NC said in a statement, via The Daily Mail. “You leave us with great pain. Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them.”
Altamirano was 21. His family has said a funeral will be held on Friday.
