Ecuador striker Christian Benitez, also known as “Chucho,” died suddenly today at the age of 27, and soccer news outlets speculate cardiac arrest may have been to blame.
Christian Benitez’s death followed his first game for new club El Jaish, where he’d signed on just weeks ago.
Club America , where Christian Benitez played before the move to El Jaish, posted a statement to their site confirming his death in Qatar and expressing sadness and condolences over the loss of the beloved athlete.
El Jaish also confirmed Chucho Benitez’s death today, releasing a statement that read :
“The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player… Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday’s match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems.”
The statement continues :
“His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”
Over on Twitter, former teammates of Benitez tweeted about his sudden death, saying:
Rip chucho pic.twitter.com/QFaIVgpMJE
— Craig Gardner (@CraigGards8) July 29, 2013
Can’t believe Christian Benitez aka chucho has died had the pleasure to play with him he was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family
— Craig Gardner (@CraigGards8) July 29, 2013
Por siempre vas hacer mi hermano este dolor muy fuerte mi hermano pero te queremos pic.twitter.com/lvspu8NXDy
— Antonio Valencia (@7AntoV) July 29, 2013
Christian Benitez’s death has not officially been attributed to any cause, but it was reported that he was suffering from abdominal pain before he died.
