Katherine Diaz, El Salvador's top surfer and an Olympic hopeful, has tragically died at the age of 22.
As reported by the Olympic Channel, Diaz was struck by lightning as she was training for the upcoming ISA World Surf Games at El Tunco Beach in El Salvador on Friday.
Per Yahoo Sports, the beach is located just a short distance from her home in El Tunco, and was hit by an electrical storm. Diaz was struck while she was still in the water, and despite onlookers reportedly attempting to help until the paramedics arrived, they were unable to revive her and she died on the beach.
She was the daughter of the Salvadoran Surf Federation's president, Jose Diaz.
Writing on social media, the Salvadoran Surf Federation confirmed the news, writing: "A great athlete who has represented our country has left us. See you soon, great warrior. El Salvador is in mourning."
And a post on social media from the International Surfing Association (ISA) reads: "It is with a heavy heart that the ISA has learned about the passing of El Salvador’s Katherine Diaz."
The post continued:
"Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport. She excelled at the international competition level, representing her country with pride at both the ISA World Surfing Games and ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to Katherine’s family, the surfers of El Salvador, and to all those in the international surfing community whose lives she touched.
"We will never forget you."
After news of Diaz's tragic passing broke, many of her fans and supporters took to social media to pay their respects to the surfing prodigy.
One Twitter user wrote: "Godspeed Katherine Diaz. Ride the waves up in the sky!!"
Another fan wrote on Twitter: "This is an unspeakable tragedy. Katherine Diaz was a shining star in the world surfing community, taken too young."
A lengthy Twitter thread hailed her legacy in the surfing world, and added: "Aside from surfing she also worked as a chef & had opened her own business in El Tunco. Her legacy will not be forgotten"
Our thoughts are with Katherine's family, friends, and fans at this time.
