In a tragic incident, a footballer in Costa Rica has died after being attacked by a crocodile.
Amateur footballer Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz was attempting to cool off in the Rio Canas river in Guanacaste Province recently when the reptile got hold of his body and ultimately killed the man.
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The 29-year-old played for Deportivo Rio Canas, whose manager Luis Carlos Montes has since paid tribute to the father of the two in a statement released by the club.
"With deep sorrow we make public the death of our player Jesus López Ortiz that God enjoys. Rest in peace, Chucho – we join the pain of all his family," the statement read.
The club has also pleaded to the public for assistance with Ortiz's funeral.
"Good morning, people of Rio Canas, 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, 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, Dona Tica will be receiving every help that comes out of her heart. Thank you so much in advance. God bless you."
According to Express US, local police were given permission to free Lopez's body from the crocodile's jaws, although the reptile was killed in the process – there are strict regulations regarding the hunting or killing of protected species, including crocodiles, in Costa Rica.
"It should be clarified that all efforts were made to rescue the body of the deceased person without causing damage to the reptile, which was not possible," a statement from the police read.
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