A 43-year-old footballer has tragically died when he suddenly collapsed in the second half of a veterans match over the weekend
A footballer has tragically died aged 43 after suddenly collapsing on the pitch during a veterans’ match.
Gerardo Manghi fell to the turf during the second half as horrified players from both teams rushed to help him. The amateur footballer was then rushed to a local hospital, where he was worked on by medics, but sadly could not be saved, with his death being announced on social media.
The match took place in Rodeo, San Juan Province, Argentina, on Saturday (September 5) with Gerardo playing for Bajo Colola against Bella Vista FC in the second round of the veterans’ tournament when the tragic scenes unfolded.
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He was rushed to Hospital Tomás Perón in Rodeo, where he later died.
Gerardo, affectionately known to locals as El Gringo del Mate, originally came from Buenos Aires but had lived in Rodeo for many years.
Gerardo regularly played in the local veterans’ league, with the tragedy occurring during the second match of the “Rodolfo Morales Tribute” Veterans Tournament.
Friends said football was one of his great loves. And his death has reportedly left the football community of Iglesia – where he was a well-known figure – heartbroken.
Gerardo’s wake was held at a local funeral hall on Sunday, as reported by NeedToKnow.
He was buried at Rodeo Municipal Cemetery at 2pm on Monday. No official medical cause of death has yet been released.