A young 21-year-old football player has tragically died following a brutal collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a match.
Helar Gonzales Altamirano was immediately taken to the hospital after being knocked unconscious in a clash while attempting to receive a long pass. His father was present at the field, witnessing the game.
His brother, Eliceo, who had been asking for prayers for Helar on social media as recently as Tuesday, sadly confirmed yesterday that Helar had passed away.
According to Eliceo, his brother’s death was caused by a ruptured artery in his head, a result of the collision on Sunday.
Real Titan Nc, Helar’s football club, expressed their sorrow in a statement: “Rest in peace, friend. We will always remember your passion for football and your love for your family. Your loss brings us immense pain. We extend our deepest sympathy to your family during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are not alone, Titan is with you, and the entire football community stands by your side.”
The club also shared live footage of Helar’s coffin being transported to a funeral home in a white hearse before the wake, and a video compilation of goals he scored this year before his untimely passing.
The fatal collision occurred in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Helar’s team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.
Video footage captured the distressing scene of players gathering around Helar as he was carried off the field unconscious on a stretcher. A teammate assisted in placing him in the ambulance, which then rushed him to a hospital in Moyobamba, a city in northern Peru.
A television commentator, reporting live as Helar was being taken away, expressed hope for his recovery, saying, “We hope he recovers and responds quickly.”
Helar’s father, Jose, fighting back tears, spoke to a local television station, “I want to thank everyone for their support during this terrible pain we are experiencing. Helar had a lifelong dream of becoming a great footballer. From a very young age, he always talked about going as far as he could in the sport. I know his team will dedicate all their future achievements to him.”
Jose further recounted the moment of the incident, “Initially, when I saw the collision, I thought it was another player and didn’t immediately realize it was Helar. I wanted to go onto the pitch to be closer to my son when I realized it was him, but they wouldn’t allow me. I couldn’t see him again until we arrived at the hospital, where he was already in critical condition.”
Helar’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday.
The Peruvian Football Federation conveyed their condolences on X, stating: “We deeply regret the passing of Helar Gonzales Altamirano. Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and Real Titan Club.”
Marcus Bellamy