Olympic Surfing Prospect Dies After Being Struck by Lightning During Training
A 22-year-old Olympic surfing hopeful tragically died after being struck by lightning while training for an Olympic qualifying event.
RELATED: Family Seeks Answers After A Gym Patron Gives Their Son Fentanyl For An Injury & He Dies
Katherine Diaz was in the water at El Tunco beach in south-west El Salvador on Friday when she was struck by lightning, the country’s surfing federation (FESASURF) confirmed to CNN.
Her uncle Beto Díaz told Salvadorian outlet Cancha that “Katherine came over to hug her [friend]. As soon as she finished hugging her, the roar was heard. She, the friend, was thrown by the force of the lightning, too; the board threw me back. Katherine died instantly.” El Salvador’s National Institute for Sport (INDES) said: “We raise a prayer for the eternal rest of her soul and we express our most sincere condolences to her family.” As CNN notes, Diaz’s funeral was held on Sunday, with FESASURF reposting photos of her surfboard and flowers next to her coffin.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) 2021 Surf City El Salvador World Surfing Games are set to be held from May 29 to June 6 at the La Bocana and El Sunzal beaches. It will act as the final qualifying tournament for Tokyo 2020, where surfing will be making its debut Olympic appearance.
RELATED: California Man Dies After Police Kneel On His Neck For 5 Minutes
