Catherine Diaz, one of El Salvador’s top surfers, was killed while training for a qualifying tournament for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, officials said.
The International Surfing Association – the world’s governing body for surfing – said in a statement Saturday after the 22-year-old’s death that she “embodied the joy and energy that makes surfing so special and dear to all of us.”
The organization said, “She excelled at the international competition level, in which she proudly represented her country at both the ISA World Surfing Games and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.” We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have been touched. “
According to local media, the surfer was struck after entering the water on Friday on El Tunico beach, about 10 miles from the capital of San Lavado. His uncle Beto Diaz, who is also a surfing coach, told ElSalvador.com that he had gone with him and was getting to practice with a friend.
“Catherine came close to hugging her friend, and as soon as she hugged him you heard the sound of lightning,” he told the outlet. “Her friend flew off due to a lightning strike and knocked me down my surfing board. Catherine died instantly.”
Diaz was preparing for the ISA World Surfing Games, which will be held from May 29 to June 6 at La Bocana and El Sanzal Beach in El Salvador. The top seven women in the already undefeated event will advance to the delayed Tokyo Olympics, where the sport will enter its Olympic Olympics.
Her brother Jose Diaz posted a photo with her on Instagram, “You will be in our hearts forever. God has decided to take you now. We are already remembering you.”
Diaz’s funeral was held over the weekend and pictures show his coffin surrounded by trophies and surfing boards. Diaz’s mother, Rosa Amelia Hernandez, told ElSalvador.com that despite her daughter’s desire to be buried, she buried her at sea where she died.
“I couldn’t bury his remains, but I made sure he would rest against the sea, because the sea was his life.”
Emil Buckley, president of the Salvadoran Sports Institute and brother of the country’s president, has mourned his loss on Twitter.
“It’s a big loss for our game.” Tweeted. “All our unity for our surfing family. I am with you in your pain.”
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