Friends, comrades and relatives have been pouring in heartfelt condolences for 21-year-old Peruvian football player Helar Gonzales Altamirano, who unfortunately died after colliding with the opposing custodian on the pitch.
When Altamirano and the goalie fought for the same long ball in the 70th minute of Real Titan NC vs. Defensor Nueva Cajamarvca’s Copa Peru match, Altamirano was accidentally clipped in the head.
He immediately collapsed to the ground, and for three minutes, players from both teams voiced their worries until medical personnel managed to carry him to the side of the pitch, where an ambulance was waiting. He was brought to a hospital in Moyobamba, a city in northern Peru.
The youngster’s brother, Eliceo, continued appealing for people to pray for Helar on Tuesday – but he later announced, on the same day, that he had regrettably lost his fight for life, blaming his death to the burst of an artery in his sibling’s head.
Real Titan NC, Helar’s club, paid tribute in a statement: “Rest in peace friend. Your passion for football and your family will live on in our memories. You hurt us a much when you depart. Best wishes to your family during this trying time.
“The football family and Titan are with them, so they are not alone.”
Helar’s father, Jose, who witnessed the altercation between his son and the goalie, thanked everyone for their support, according to Mail Online. “I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing,” he said to a local television station.
His father went on to say, “I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him.” “Helar wanted to be a great football player from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could,” his father added.
“When I first watched the clash, I didn’t realise it was Helar and assumed it was another guy. When I recognised it was my son, I wanted to walk onto the pitch to be closer to him, but they wouldn’t let me, and I didn’t see him until we arrived at the hospital, when he was already very ill.
The Peruvian Football Federation sent their “deepest condolences” to all impacted by Helar’s untimely passing in a brief but sincere statement on X. The statement said, “We are sorry for Helar Gonzales Altamirano’s passing. We send our sincerest sympathies to his friends, family, and Real Titan Club.
Titan NC released live video of Helar’s coffin being driven into a funeral parlour in a white hearse prior to the wake, which was held on Friday. A movie showcasing his goals over the years was also shown to honour his memory.
xz
