A referee in Bolivia has died from a heart attack after collapsing while officiating a league match played at high altitude.
Victor Hugo Hurtado, 31, was taking charge of Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero’s Bolivian league game when he collpased in the 47th minute.
Always Ready doctor Eric Kosziner said, according to the BBC, that the referee had one heart attack on the field and another upon arriving at hospital.
Footage emerged on social media of the moment Hurtado toppled over backwards during the match, with players from both sides immediately rushing over and calling on treatment.
The match was played at Always Ready’s Municipal Stadium, which has an altitude of 3,900 metres.
The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, wrote on Twitter: ‘We regret the passing of referee Victor Hugo Hurtado.
‘We send our condolences and solidarity to your family, friends and colleagues. Bolivian football is in mourning.’
The match was goalless when Hurtado collapsed and finished with Always Ready winning 5-0. – Dailymail
