“Condolence” – 164 Days After Facing Lionel Messi, 26YO Killed by Gunmen in Open Fire, Leaving Soccer World in Mourning

Gun violence continues to disrupt society, and yet another individual has succumbed to such violence. Center-back, Gilberto Hernandez, 26, was shot dead in the city of Colon in Panama. Hernandez had previously played a friendly with Lionel Messi and Argentina, representing Panama, and was looking to make inroads in his career.

The gunmen responsible for the tragic incident targeted a group of people in a building and opened fire mercilessly. The defender, who was a part of Club Atlético Independiente and became a mainstay at the heart of the defense, lost his life in the shooting, while others present at the scene were left heavily wounded. 

Panama defender Gilberto Hernandez succumbs to gun violence

The gunmen fired shots at the player on Sunday afternoon local time, with the assailants approaching the building in a taxi. Having forced the taxi driver to take them to the site, they opened fire on a group in the Barrio Norte neighborhood. After the heinous crime, the gunmen fled the scene. Cops eventually nabbed one of the perpetrators from a nearby apartment. The soccer player’s father urged those responsible to surrender to the respective authorities in a statement to BBC and pleaded, “Don’t cause more harm.”

He wanted the respective officials to start a campaign and save youth from making such violent decisions. According to reports, a woman who worked at a nearby restaurant stated, “He was with childhood friends and they planned to go to the beach in the afternoon when the shooting happened. We’re sad, the street is mourning.”

In April 2017, Amilcar Henriquez, who made 85 appearances for his country and was an active part of the national team trying to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, was also shot and killed in Colon. 

The Panama National team also sent tributes tweeting, “The Panamanian Football Federation regrets the sensitive death of Gilberto Hernández, player of the @CAIPanama of the @LPFpanama. FEPAFUT extends its condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the entire CAI and Panamanian soccer family. PEACE TO HIS SOUL.” 

Meanwhile, his current club, Club Atlético Independiente, also posted a picture of Gilberto holding a trophy. They tweeted, “Fly high two-time champion.” The club plays in the top-tier league of Panama, the Liga Panameña de Fútbol, and are the champions from last season.

The defender has appeared in 35 games and scored eight goals. The soccer fraternity mourns his passing as one fan paid respects, stating, “Condolence.”

Appearing as a substitute against Lionel Messi and Argentina, Hernandez entered the scene with high hopes. Panama faced Argentina, fresh from their World Cup victory, in Buenos Aires. Messi scored in the game, leading his side to a 2-0 victory. Notably, he also scored the 800th goal of his career in the friendly game.

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After the reports of his untimely passing, soccer fans took to social media to send heartful tributes to Hernandez.

Fans mourn the loss of the talented soccer player who once faced Lionel Messi

The city recorded 102 homicides last year, with Hernandez the second player, after Henriquez, who has succumbed to gun violence in the last six years. Reacting to the tragic incident, one fan could not wrap their head around the sad news.

Gun violence in the city continues to rise following the Panama Canal, a crucial route for ships to smuggle drugs from South America to Europe. As a result, gang wars have intensified for better smuggling routes, and in the wake of it, the increase in violence. Another fan couldn’t contain their disappointment and tweeted, “Terrible terrible.” 

The escalation of gun violence is mounting, with authorities citing rampant drug trade as the cause, resulting in over 50 casualties so far in the year. Gilberto Hernandez paid the price and his story unfortunately remains a ‘what could have been.’

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