Rayo kills 22-year-old surfer while practicing on El Salvador beach

San Salvador. The Salvadoran surfer Katherine Diaz Hernandez died after being struck by lightning while practicing on the waves of one of the most popular beaches in the Pacific Ocean, sports authorities confirmed on Saturday.

According to official information, on Friday afternoon, the renowned 22-year-old athlete was surfing on the waves of El Tuco beach, about 30 kilometers south of the capital, when she received the sudden electrical impact. People who were on the beach helped her, but when they managed to rescue her she no longer showed vital signs.

The president of the state Salvadoran Institute of Sports (INDES), Yamil Bukele, Expressed his solidarity with the family of the young athlete and highlighted his passion for sport and the tourist development of El Tunco beach.

“I am very sorry for this death and I join in the grief of the family, A hug of solidarity,” said the president of INDES when confirming the event.

Katherine lived and worked on the Beach, one of the best known resorts for its waves and gastronomy.

The young athlete was also a renowned chef in El Tunco where they managed to set up their own gastronomy business.

Katherine started surfing at the age of nine and participated in various competitions, national and international.