In a horrific incident, a crocodile killed and devoured a football player Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz in Costa Rica. As reported by Costa Rican newspaper The Tico Times, Ortiz jumped into the crocodile-infested Rio Canas river in an attempt to cool down from the heat.
A spine-chilling video captured by onlookers reveals the crocodile swimming in the river with Ortiz's body held in its jaws. The horrifying event took place near the town of Santa Cruz, about 140 miles away from the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. The locals recounted that the 29-year-old player jumped from a bridge into the waters of the Canas river while he was exercising. Unfortunately, the crocodile's attack led to his tragic demise.
To recover Ortiz’s remains, the crocodile was shot and killed by authorities, confirmed a spokesperson from the Costa Rican Red Cross.
Ortiz, affectionately known as "Chucho," was a 29-year-old player for the amateur football club, Deportivo Rio Canas. The team validated his passing in a Facebook statement.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy in Costa Rica prohibits hunting or killing protected species such as crocodiles. Whether they are investigating the decision to kill the crocodile to retrieve the body remains uncertain. However, the local authorities released a statement confirming that it was their officer who killed the reptile.
Watch the video here…(Viewers discretion is advised)
On July 31, the family of Lopez appealed to the public for assistance in covering the funeral costs of the late footballer.
Additionally, the victim's team manager, Luis Carlos Montes, is gathering funds to support the bereaved family.
"We will remember you in the many facets of your sporting life as a coach, football player and also as a family father. You will always live in our hearts Chucho, fly high friend," Deportivo Rio Canas said in the official statement.
"Good morning, people of Rio Cañas, neighbours, we hereby inform you that a simple number has been enabled to be able to help the family of Jesus Lopez 'Chucho' for what unfortunate has happened today, who wishes to collaborate please make your help at [number redacted] in the name of Luis Carlos Montes, also if your aid is physical, whether it is groceries or some other type of help, you can go leave it at the house of Don Daniel Serrano, Doña Tica will be receiving every help that comes out of her heart. Thank you so much in advance. God bless you," Luis Carlos Montes said in a statement on July 30.
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