Katherine Diaz: Surfer (22) dead after lightning strike
Katherine Diaz, one of El Salvador’s best surfers and an Olympic hopeful, died after being struck by lightning while training on Friday 19 March. The 22-year-old was practising at a beach near her home in El Tunco when the tragedy occurred.
Diaz’s death was announced on social media by the Salvadoran Surf Federation. An electrical storm suddenly descended on the area and the surfer was struck while she was still in the water. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene but were unable to revive her, according to the Olympic Channel.
SURFER STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE TRAINING FOR OLYMPIC QUALIFIER
“A great athlete who has represented our country has left us. See you soon, great warrior. El Salvador is in mourning,” said the Federation. Jose Diaz, the president of the federation, was the surfer’s father.
Diaz was reportedly preparing for the upcoming ISA World Surf Games in El Salvador, which is due to take place from 29 May until 6 June. The event doubles as a qualifier for the Tokyo Olympic Games where the sport will make its Olympic debut.
KATHERINE DIAZ EMBODIED THE JOY OF SURFING
The International Surfing Association (ISA) posted a heartfelt tribute to Diaz on Facebook on Sunday, which offered condolences to Diaz’s family and the surfing community at large after the news of the lightning strike was made public. Many social media users commented that she died doing what she loved
“Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, a global ambassador of the sport.”
“She excelled at the international competition level, representing her country with pride at both the ISA World Surfing Games and ISA World Junior Surfing Championship,” said the association.
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