The youngster was left unconscious after colliding with a keeper during a Peruvian Cup match
Sport Natalia Penza 11:03, 10 Apr 2025Updated 11:36, 10 Apr 2025
Tributes are being paid to a young Peruvian footballer who tragically died at the age of 21 after a severe collision during a Cup match.
Helar Gonzales Altamirano was left unconscious after colliding with an opposing team's goalkeeper while contesting a high ball.
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His brother Eliceo, who had been urging people to pray for Helar on social media as recently as Tuesday, sadly confirmed that Helar had passed away later that day.
He revealed that the cause of death was due to an artery rupture in Helar's head, which resulted from Sunday's collision.
Real Titan Nc, the footballer's club, released a heartfelt statement saying: "Rest in peace friend. We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain."
They added: "Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them."
The club also shared live footage of Altamirano's coffin being transported to a funeral parlour in a white hearse, as well as a video showcasing the goals he scored this year prior to his untimely passing.
The fatal incident took place in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Altamirano's team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.
The distressing scene unfolded as players gathered around the stricken footballer, Helar Gonzales Altamirano, who lay unconscious on the pitch before being stretchered off and placed into an ambulance by a teammate.
The incident occurred during a match in Moyobamba, a city in northern Peru.
A TV commentator solemnly wished: "We hope he recovers and reacts quickly."
Altamirano's father, Jose, visibly emotional while speaking to a local TV station from the stands where he witnessed his son collapse, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support amidst the family's anguish: "I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we're experiencing."
Reflecting on his son's aspirations, he added: "Helar wanted to be a great footballer from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could. I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him."
Jose initially did not realise it was his son involved in the clash on the field, recalling: "I thought at first when I saw the clash that it was another player and didn't initially connect that it was Helar.
"I wanted to go onto the pitch to be nearer my son when I realised it was him but they wouldn't let me and I didn't see him until we got to hospital when he was already critical."
The funeral for Altamirano is scheduled for Friday. In a statement, the Peruvian Football Federation mourned the loss: "We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club."
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