View this post on Instagram
Katherine Diaz Hernandez, a 22-year-old surfer from El Salvador, was killed when she was struck by lightning on Friday. She was hoping to qualify for the the Tokyo Olympics.
Hernandez was surfing at El Tunco, a beach on the Pacific coast at around 5 p.m. when the lightning hit her. According to reports, she was entering the water for an evening surf when it happened. The Associated Press reported that she was training for an event that was set to be held in El Salvador that will be the last qualifying event before surfing’s Olympic debut. Diaz was the sister of José ‘Bamba’ Díaz, a former professional surfer.
Members of the public rushed to her aid before an ambulance arrived. She was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, she couldn’t be revived.
View this post on Instagram
Yamil Bukele, president of the government’s Salvadoran Sports Institute, posted a message expressing condolences to her family.
“I just found out about the death of Salvadoran surfer Katherine Díaz,” said Yamil Bukele, president of the government’s Salvadoran Sports Institute.”I am very sorry for this death and I join the pain that overwhelms her family. Our solidarity with ‘el Bamba’ and the surf family. Peace for your soul.”
Our sincerest condolences go out to the friends, family, and anyone affected by this tragedy.
