Panama defender Hernandez dies in Colon shooting

Sept 4 (Reuters) – Panama defender Gilberto Hernandez has died, the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) said in a statement, after being shot in the city of Colon on Sunday according to local media.

Hernandez, 26, played for Club Atletico Independiente de La Chorrera in the Panamanian Football League and made two international appearances.

“The Panamanian Football Federation regrets the sad passing of Gilberto Hernandez…,” FEPAFUT posted on the social media site X.

“FEPAFUT extends its condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the entire CAI and Panamanian football family.”

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Local media reported that Hernandez was killed in a shooting in Barrio Norte, Colon. Seven other people were injured.

In a statement on Monday, the national police confirmed the “apprehension of a citizen suspected of the murder of a football player, which occurred on Sunday … in the province of Colon”

Gilberto Hernandez, who debuted for the Panamanian national team in a match against Guatemala earlier this year, finds himself connected to a tragic narrative. His father, profoundly impacted by the tragedy, issued a heartfelt plea to the young residents of Colón, urging them to break the cycle of violence. Furthermore, he implored authorities to launch initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city’s youth.

This lamentable incident now stands as the second occurrence in recent years wherein a player from the Panamanian national team has met a tragic end in Colón, underscoring the pressing need for addressing the issue of violence in the region.