A Costa Rican footballer died in a crocodile attack after after diving off a bridge into the river

Tragically, a Costa Rican football player lost his life to a crocodile after impulsively jumping into a river to cool off

A Costa Rican footballer died in a crocodile attack after after diving off a bridge into the river

In a tragic event, a Costa Rican football player, Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, also known as Chucho, met a fatal end when he spontaneously jumped into the Canas river. While attempting to cool off, Chucho was attacked by a crocodile. Despite his friend and cousin's efforts to dissuade him from jumping off the bridge but he proceeded with the jump.

Disturbing footage captures the intense struggle as the 29-year-old athlete fought for his life against the crocodile's relentless grip. Despite the villager's endless attempts to beat the reptile and rescue Chucho, the crocodile refused to release him.

In a bid to recover Chucho's body, the villagers eventually resorted to shooting the crocodile, despite the protection of such species in Costa Rica. The authorities have not yet determined if charges will be filed against the villagers for this action.

Local police emphasized that every possible effort was made to retrieve the deceased's body without harming the reptile, but their attempts were ultimately unsuccessful. The tragic incident has left the community grieving, as they remember the loss of a talented footballer from their midst.

Deportivo Rio Cañas officially confirmed the heartbreaking news of Jesus Lopez Ortiz's (Chucho) passing in a statement. "With deep sorrow we make public the death of our player Jesus Lopez Ortiz (Chucho) may God rest his soul," the team expressed in their a statement. "Rest in Peace Chucho, we join the pain of all his family. We will miss you. You are taking a part of all of us with you, dear friend.”

Chucho, a devoted father of two children aged three and eight, was a skilled footballer representing Deportivo Rio Cañas.