In a freak and tragic incident, Peruvian soccer player José Hugo De la Cruz Meza, 39, was struck and killed by lightning during a live broadcast game on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in the town of Chilca, located in the Andes of central Peru.
De la Cruz, a defender for the team Familia Chocca, was participating in a regional match at the Coto Coto stadium when a lightning bolt hit him as he and his teammates were attempting to leave the field due to worsening storm conditions. The strike injured four other players, including De la Cruz’s cousin, Juan Chocca Llacta, who was walking arm-in-arm with him when the lightning struck.
Video footage of the incident captured a flash of lightning and the moment players, spectators, and officials fell, shocked by the intensity of the strike. As described by the New York Times, “a flash of light and several players instantly dropped to the ground.” The players were near the sidelines when the lightning struck, cutting off the game that was already paused due to the impending storm.
The blast threw several players onto the ground and left visible scorch marks on the field. De la Cruz was immediately transported to a nearby hospital in Huancayo, the capital of the Junín region, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. His cousin, Chocca Llacta, suffered severe burns and was placed in critical condition but has since stabilized.
Three other players, between the ages of 16 and 24, were also injured by the lightning strike, with two requiring extended hospitalization. The remaining players and spectators were evacuated following the incident, and the game was officially ended.
The lightning strike was likely amplified by metal objects on the field, with De la Cruz’s bracelet contributing to the lightning’s direct hit, emphasizing the risks associated with metal accessories during thunderstorms.
A wake for De la Cruz was held in his hometown, where family and community members gathered to mourn his sudden passing. He leaves behind a wife and three children. His family has asked for assistance from local authorities to cover the funeral expenses and to support his family during this challenging time.
Despite the rare nature of fatal lightning strikes, outdoor sports remain vulnerable to such occurrences during adverse weather. Over the past decade, lightning has killed an average of 20 people per year in the United States alone, though the fatality rate has decreased due to better forecasting and awareness of safety measures. Nevertheless, incidents like these highlight the unpredictability of lightning, especially for outdoor athletes.
Local authorities in Chilca and the Peruvian Football Federation extended condolences to De la Cruz’s family, vowing to implement more stringent safety protocols to ensure the safety of players in future matches. The Peruvian government has also expressed support for De la Cruz’s family as they seek to honor his legacy within the community.
