A 21-year-old soccer player has sadly passed away following a horrific incident that occurred during a match.
Helar Gonzales Altamirano, a rising Peruvian talent, tragically died following a devastating on-pitch collision during a Copa Peru match, per the Mirror.
Helar, who played for Real Titan Nc, collided with a rival team’s goalkeeper while challenging for a long ball in the 70th minute of the game against Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.
The impact knocked him unconscious, and he was quickly stretchered off the field and rushed to a hospital in the northern Peruvian city of Moyobamba.
A TV commentator watching the scene unfold said hopefully: “We hope he recovers and reacts quickly.”
Sadly, just days after the match, Helar’s brother, Eliceo, who had been asking for prayers online, confirmed the worst: Helar had succumbed to his injuries later that same day.
The cause of death, according to Eliceo, was the rupture of an artery in Helar’s head.
Real Titan Nc released a heart-wrenching statement mourning the young star: “Rest in peace friend. We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain. 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.”
In a moving tribute, the club shared live footage of Helar’s coffin being transported to a funeral parlour in a white hearse, along with a video compilation of the goals he had scored this year—a testament to his passion and promise on the pitch.
Helar’s father, Jose, was in the stands watching when the horrific incident happened.
Fighting back tears during a local TV interview, he shared the gut-wrenching moment: “I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing.
“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.
“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.”
Helar's funeral will be held on Friday, with his family, teammates, and community preparing to say goodbye to the young man whose football dreams ended far too soon.
The Peruvian Football Federation also issued a message of condolence, writing on X: “We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club.”