Bolivian Referee Collapses And Dies During Game

By Max Wise

A 31-year-old referee has collapsed and died whiles officiating a league game between Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero in Bolivia.

Victor Hugo Hutardo was officiating the game at a high altitude which took place at Always Ready’s Municipal Stadium in El Alto, 3,900m (12,795ft) above sea level.

Video footage making rounds on social media shows the referee collapsing in the 47th minute of the game with no one beside him before paramedics rushed onto the pitch to help revive him.

The referee, following a lengthy treatment on the pitch, was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he suffered a second fatal heart attack.

Bolivia president, Evo Morales Ayma, wrote on Twitter: "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 game was able to continue after a different referee took over, with Always Ready winning the game 5-0.