Football star, 19, dies after thriller taking pictures as police arrest homicide suspect
A teenage football star has died after being shot twice and then dumped outside a health centre – sparking a police manhunt for his killer.
Tomas Bustamante Carriel was left at the facility in Chile by four mystery men who then immediately fled on Tuesday morning, March 4. Medics discovered the 19-year-old victim had suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest.
He was rushed from the scene in Coihueco to a hospital in nearby Chillan, where he died despite doctors and surgeons’ best efforts. Police investigators later found evidence of bullet impacts in a car and at a house, as reported by NeedToKnow.
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(Image: JamPress)
Bustamante, 19, came through the youth ranks at top flight Chilean side Nublense and also spent time with fellow Primera Division outfit Huachipato’s academy.
In the 2025 season, he was on loan at Brujas de Salamanca, who play in the Segunda Division Professional, the third tier of Chilean football.
An attacking midfielder, he scored the second goal in Brujas’ home match against San Antonio Unido in April 2025, securing the victory – a highlight of his short career.
(Image: JamPress)
His club paid tribute in a statement, writing: “We are very saddened by your passing, Tomy, but we want to remember you with joy – the same joy you radiated at our club.”
A close friend, Valentina, also posted online: “You showed me that friendship between a man and a woman really does exist.
“You’d defend me to the bitter end, no matter what, and you were always coming up with some mad idea. I’m going to miss you so much.”
Local media reported on Thursday (March 5) that police had arrested a 19-year-old on suspicion of murder.
His identity is being withheld, and no motive has been reported at this stage.
