José Hugo De la Cruz Meza, a 39-year-old Peruvian football player, was struck and killed by lightning during a live televised match on Sunday, November 3, 2024. The incident occurred in the Andean town of Chilca, in central Peru.
De la Cruz, a defender for Familia Chocca, was engaged in a regional contest at the Coto Coto stadium when a bolt of lightning struck him as he and his fellow players were attempting to exit the field due to deteriorating weather conditions. This strike also injured four other players, one of whom was De la Cruz’s cousin, Juan Chocca Llacta, who was alongside him when the lightning hit.
Video footage of the event showed a flash of lightning and the instant several players, spectators, and officials fell. As reported 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 bolt hit, interrupting the match that was already on hold owing to the imminent storm.
The explosion from the lightning bolt left visible burn marks on the field. De la Cruz was quickly transported to a nearby hospital in Huancayo, the capital of the Junín region, but was declared dead on arrival. His cousin, Chocca Llacta, suffered serious burns and was initially in critical condition, but his condition has since improved.
Three additional players, ranging in age from 16 to 24, were also hurt in the lightning strike, with two necessitating an extended hospital stay. The remaining players and spectators were evacuated after the event, and the match was officially halted.
The severity of the lightning strike was likely increased by metal objects on the field. De la Cruz’s bracelet may have contributed to the direct hit, underscoring the risks posed by metal accessories during storms.
A wake was held for De la Cruz in his hometown, where his family and community assembled to grieve his sudden loss. He is survived by a wife and three children. His family has requested help from local authorities to manage the funeral costs and to provide support during this difficult period.
Although fatal lightning strikes are infrequent, outdoor sports are susceptible to such events during adverse weather conditions. Over the past ten years, lightning has killed an average of 20 people annually in the United States alone, although the death rate has declined due to improved forecasting and awareness of safety practices. Nevertheless, events like these underscore the unpredictability of lightning, particularly for individuals participating in outdoor sports.
Local authorities in Chilca and the Peruvian Football Federation have extended their condolences to De la Cruz’s family, promising to establish stricter safety measures to safeguard the players in future matches. The Peruvian government has also pledged support for De la Cruz’s family as they endeavor to honor his legacy within the community.