Crocodile kills Costa Rican footballer Jesus Lopez Ortiz
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Costa Rica when a Costa Rican soccer player, Jesus “Chucho” Lopez Ortiz, tragically lost his life after leaping into a crocodile-infested river. The horrifying event left onlookers in shock as they witnessed the creature swimming with Ortiz’s lifeless body in its jaws.
The shocking incident occurred near the town of Santa Cruz in the province of Guanacaste, about 140 miles from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose. Ortiz, 29, had jumped into the Cañas River from a bridge that had been closed for fishing due to the presence of crocodiles in the water, as reported by Santa Cruz Police Sergeant Marcelino Hernandez.
Jesus Lopez Ortiz
Despite the efforts of horrified bystanders, Ortiz was unable to escape the perilous situation, and the crocodile claimed his life. Ortiz was a member of Deportivo Río Cañas, an amateur football team located in Carrillo. The team confirmed the tragic loss in a poignant statement on Facebook, describing Ortiz as a family man, coach, and player. His untimely demise left behind two young children, aged 8 and 3, who now mourn the loss of their father.
“With deep sorrow, we make public the death of our player Jesus Lopez Ortiz (Chucho) may God enjoy. Rest in Peace Chucho, we join the pain of all your family,” the team said.
Local authorities, in collaboration with the Costa Rican Red Cross, took swift action to retrieve Ortiz’s remains. In their efforts to bring closure to the family, they had to make the difficult decision to shoot and kill the crocodile.
As the community grappled with the loss of this beloved individual, thousands of people gathered to pay their respects during Ortiz’s funeral on Thursday, August 3. The outpouring of support and love from the community was evident as they flooded the streets to bid farewell to Chucho.
The tragic loss of Jesus “Chucho” Lopez Ortiz serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of wild environments and the importance of heeding safety warnings. The Costa Rican soccer community mourns the loss of a cherished player, coach, and family man, as the memory of Chucho lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
