(ATR) Continental sport is reeling from the death of the Salvadoran surfer Katherine Diaz.
Diaz, 22, was struck by lightning in the waters off a beach in southwestern El Salvador on Friday afternoon and died instantly, according to reports.
The young athlete was excited to be taking part in the World Surfing Games in El Salvador beginning May 29 and she was preparing for that competition, which was the final qualifying tournament for Tokyo 2020. Last November she had won the national event at the Women's Open.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) posted a statement on social media on Saturday.
"Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport. She excelled at the int'l competition level, representing her country with pride at both the World Surfing Games and ISA World Jr Surfing Championship.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to Katherine’s family, the surfers of El Salvador, and to all those in the international surfing community whose lives she touched. We will never forget you." the statement said.
On Sunday the remains of Diaz were buried in the municipal cemetery after an emotional farewell as reflected by local media and social networks.
The young athlete had started in the sport when she was nine years old. She was inspired by her brother, José Diaz, an emblematic figure of surfing in the Central American country and current president of the National Federation.
"A ray of light that God threw was led to another light that inspired everyone with her way of being," José Diaz posted on social networks this Sunday.
The message was accompanied by a photograph with Katherine's coffin, the Salvadoran flag, the athlete's surfboard, medals, trophies, recognitions and flowers that accompanied her to the church where she was remembered.
An estimated 240,000 people are injured by lightning each year, with 6,000 deaths worldwide.
Written by Miguel Hernandez
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