Costa Rican footballer, 29, is devoured by crocodile after swimming in river as predator is seen with body in its jaws
- Soccer player Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz was devoured by a crocodile while swimming
- The father-of-two was taking a dip in a Costa Rican river when he was attacked
A Costa Rica footballer has tragically died after being devoured by a crocodile while taking a dip in a river to cool off.
Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, whose nickname was “Chucho,” died after being mercilessly killed by the reptile on July 29 as he tried to cool off in a river in Río Cañas, Guanacaste province, Costa Rica.
Horrifying footage shows the father of two fighting for his life as he is carried away by the animal in his jaws.
Another clip shows the crocodile being shot into the water and carried to the river bank, with locals saying they followed it in a canoe to recover Chucho’s body.
The victim was a football player from Deportivo Rio Cañas who leaves behind his young children aged three and eight
Costa Rican soccer player Chucho (pictured) tragically leaves behind two young children aged eight and three
The father-of-two was run over while taking a dip in a river in the village where he lived
Gruesome photos captured the killer crocodile the footballer was carrying in its mouth as he swam
Local residents tracked down the animal and killed it to recover the footballer’s body
Chucho’s family is appealing to the public to help them pay for his funeral expenses.
The manager of his team, Luis Carlos Montes also organizes a collection for the victim’s family.
His team said in a social media post: “We will remember you in the many facets of your sporting life as a coach, footballer and also as a family father. You will always live in our hearts Chucho, flying high friend.”
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy prohibits the hunting or killing of protected animals such as crocodiles.
It is currently unknown if the department is investigating the locals’ decision to kill the crocodile so that the locals can retrieve the body.
The local police said in a statement: “It should be clarified that all efforts were made to save the body of the deceased without harming the reptile, which was not possible.”