Victor Hugo Hurtado: Bolivian referee dies after collapsing during match
- Published
The social media account of Bolivia's football federation posted a tribute to Victor Hugo Hurtado on Twitter. The statement said the "FBF expresses to the family of the referee their solidarity and support in this moment of pain" and "decrees mourning in national football for seven days".
A referee has died in hospital after collapsing during a match played at high altitude.
Victor Hugo Hurtado collapsed in the 47th minute of Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero's Bolivian league game.
The match was played at Municipal Stadium in El Alto, 3,900m (12,795ft) above sea level.
Always Ready team doctor Eric Kosziner said the 31-year-old had a heart attack on the field and then a second, fatal attack as he arrived at the hospital.
Social media footage showed Hurtado fall backwards to the ground before players and team doctors rushed to help him.
"We regret the passing of referee Victor Hugo Hurtado.
"We send our condolences and solidarity to your family, friends and colleagues. Bolivian football is in mourning."
The match, which had been goalless in the 47th minute, ended in a 5-0 victory for Always Ready.