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Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, nature’s unforgiving ways remind us of this cold truth. A heartbreaking incident unfolded during a leisure outing, as a young athlete aimed to cool off from the scorching heat. However, what started as a moment of relief quickly turned into a devastating turn of events.

Hearing about the unfortunate incident of this player may send shivers throughout your body. Sadly, a 29-year-old Costa Rican soccer player died in the water after getting attacked by a crocodile. How did that even happen? Let’s dive deeper.

29-year-old soccer player dies in a terrifying attack

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Costa Rican star Jesús “Chucho” Alberto López Ortiz died underwater after getting attacked by a crocodile. The attack came after Ortiz jumped from a bridge into the Cañas River in Santa Cruz. While the player’s intention was just to swim in the river, he didn’t know its consequences. Subsequently, the precise cause of Chucho’s death remains unclear. The authorities are investigating whether he drowned or fell victim to the animal’s aggression.

Local witnesses reported observing the large reptile pulling Ortiz’s body underwater. Shockingly, the Costa Rican police authorities were forced to take action. The officials had to shoot and eliminate the crocodile to retrieve Ortiz’s remains, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Costa Rican Red Cross to a local news source.

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Furthermore, a video also surfaced on social media, showing the animal swimming in the river while still holding Ortiz’s lifeless body in its jaws. Teammates, relatives, and acquaintances of Ortiz all came together to honor the memory of the soccer player who tragically lost his life. Notably, the soccer star played for a Costa Rican local soccer club, Deportivo Río Cañas soccer club.

Costa Rican club pays tribute to López Ortiz

Indeed, it is heart-clenching news. After the incident, his club, Deportivo Río Cañas also posted a message on their Facebook for their star player. As translated by DeepL, they wrote, “With deep sorrow, we make public the death of our player Jesús López Ortiz (Chucho) may God rest his soul. Rest in Peace Chucho, we join the pain of all his family.”

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The club wrote another message saying, “God receive you in his arms, dear friend, forever in our hearts. We will miss you.” It is definitely a tough moment, not just for the player’s close ones but even for the soccer community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ortiz’s friends and family.