Helar Gonzales Altamirano (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Peruvian footballer Helar Gonzales Altamirano has died at 21 after suffering a fatal head injury during a Peruvian Cup match following a collision with a goalkeeper.
Peruvian football is in mourning after the tragic death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano, a 21-year-old midfielder for Real Tintan, who passed away two days after a collision with a goalkeeper during a Peruvian Cup match.
The fatal incident occurred during a cup fixture between Real Tintan and Defensor, when Altamirano clashed heads with the opposing goalkeeper in a battle for the ball. The impact caused an arterial rupture in his brain, leading to internal bleeding and ultimately a fatal cerebral hemorrhage.
Altamirano lost consciousness immediately and was rushed to hospital, where doctors fought to save his life for 48 hours. Sadly, their efforts were in vain.
“I don’t know if the hit was intentional or accidental, but the fact remains – my son is no longer with us. I have so many beautiful memories of him. I want to thank everyone who’s stood by us during this difficult time,” said Jose Miguel Gonzales Flores, the grieving father of the young player.
The heartbreaking incident has shaken the local football community and has reignited concerns about medical readiness and player safety at lower-tier matches in Peru.
A video of the tragic moment has surfaced online, showing the brutal collision and the immediate reaction of teammates and medics.