Katherine Diaz, one of El Salvador’s top surfers, was killed as she prepared for a qualifying tournament for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, officials said.
The International Surfing Association – the world’s governing body for surfing – issued a statement on Saturday after the 22-year-old’s death, saying it “embodies the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to all of us.”
“He excelled in international competition, proudly representing his country at both the ISA World Surfing Games and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship,” the organization said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Katherine’s family, to the surfers of El Salvador and to all those in the international surfing community whose lives have touched her.”
The surfer was hit after entering the water on Friday on the beach of El Tunico, about 16 km from the capital San Salvador, according to local media. Her uncle Beto Díaz, who is also a surfing coach, told ElSalvador.com that he went with her and that he is meeting a friend to practice with.
“Katherine came over to hug her friend, and as soon as she hugged her, you heard lightning,” he told the outlet. “Her boyfriend flew because of the force of the lightning and smashed my surfboard. Katherine died instantly.”
Diaz was preparing for the ISA World Surfing Games, which will take place from May 29 to June 6 on the beaches of La Bocana and El Sunzal in El Salvador. The first seven women at the event who have not already qualified will win a seat at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the sport will make its official debut at the Olympic Games.
Jose Diaz, her brother, posted a photo with her on Instagram, saying “you will be in our hearts forever. God has decided to take you now. We already miss you.”
The funeral for Diaz took place over the weekend and the images show that her coffin was surrounded by trophies and a surfboard. Rosa Amelia Hernández, Diaz’s mother, told ElSalvador.com that despite her daughter wanting to be cremated, she was buried across the ocean, where she died.
“I couldn’t cremate her remains, but I made sure she would rest in front of the sea, because the sea was her life,” Hernandez said.
Yamil Bukele, president of the Salvadoran Sports Institute and brother of the country’s president, mourned his loss on Twitter.
“It’s a big loss for our sport,” Bukele said posted on Twitter. “All our solidarity for our surfing family. I’m with you in your pain.”