In brief
In a shocking incident benefiting from video evidence, Peruvian soccer player José Hugo De la Cruz Meza died after being struck by lightning during a regional tournament game. The occurrence took place amidst escalating storm conditions when the match between local teams, C.D. Juventud Bellavista and U.D. Familia Chocca, had been briefly paused. The incident serves as a horrifying reminder of the perils posed by storms to outdoor activities.
As the players were clearing the field in response to worsening weather, lightning struck, resulting in Mr. De la Cruz Meza's death at a nearby hospital. Four other players present were hospitalized but later discharged, marking a somber moment for the sporting community. Witness Juan Chocca, the brother-in-law of the deceased player, recounted the moments leading up to the strike, reflecting on the suddenness of the tragedy.
