No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCosta Rica Mourns Promising Soccer Star After Crocodile Attack

Costa Rica Mourns Promising Soccer Star After Crocodile Attack

Shock and grief have engulfed the community after a local soccer talent met a tragic end in a crocodile attack last week. 29-year-old Jesús “Chucho” López Ortiz was cooling off in the Cañas River when he was brutally attacked and killed.

Heartbroken loved ones, teammates and over 1,000 mourners gathered in Guanacaste province to bid farewell to the rising soccer star. “Today we bid farewell to you, ‘Chucho.’ Thank you to the entire nation that aided this family,” lamented Deportivo Río Cañas, López Ortiz’s club, also posting a touching video tribute.

According to police, López was swimming when he was attacked by a crocodile. A friend raised the alarm after realizing he failed to emerge from the water. Despite local resident Marcos Chavarria rushing to help upon hearing cries, the crocodile had already clamped its jaws around the victim.

Locals say López often swam in the river, well aware it was inhabited by crocodiles. At his funeral, his grieving mother thanked the public for their support, while urging environmental authorities to control crocodile overpopulation to prevent similar attacks.

However, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) denies overpopulation issues after studies. Though they killed the attacking crocodile to recover López’s body, SINAC says crocodile levels are balanced. They do plan to install river warning signs about the creatures.

The community is reeling from the loss of the up-and-coming soccer talent. “One day I’ll be the champ,” López Ortiz had said in an old interview. Sadly, his promising career was cut tragically short at 29, leaving behind two young children.

The community as well as all of Costa Rica, mourns Jesús “Chucho” López Ortiz, whose passion for soccer and community service made him a role model for many local youths. His legacy will live on through them.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Anglers Catch Rare Orange and Albino Nurse Shark

Anglers on a fishing trip off Costa Rica's Caribbean coast caught a nurse shark unlike any seen before: bright orange skin and stark white...

Costa Rica’s Tourism Sector Alarmed Over Rising Violence and U.S. Criticism

Tourism leaders in Costa Rica are warning that rising crime and international criticism could damage the country’s reputation as one of Latin America’s safest...

Guatemala Prisons Erupt in Violence With Guards and Workers Taken Hostage

Gang members rioted this Friday in two prisons in Guatemala and took several guards and civilian employees hostage, a week after uprisings in which...

End of Air Canada Strike Brings Relief for Costa Rica-Bound Passengers

Air Canada flight attendants ended their strike Tuesday after reaching a tentative agreement with the airline, paving the way for flights to resume gradually....

El Salvador Schools Enforce Military-Style Uniform Inspections

El Salvador's public schools will start enforcing daily inspections for students' uniforms and haircuts from August 20, as ordered by the new education minister,...

Nicaragua Hosts Historic 2025 AmeriCup Basketball Tournament

The 2025 AmeriCup, the men’s basketball Copa América, tips off this Friday in Nicaragua, marking the most significant international sporting event in the country’s...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica