A tragic incident has occurred during a girls’ football tournament in Mexico, where 15-year-old Atziri Ledif Galeana Valencia collapsed and died during a match.
Atziri was playing for Chivas Lcz against Toriz in the final of the tournament on Saturday when she reportedly collapsed in the 72nd minute due to suspected heat stroke. The match took place amid a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 34 degrees Celsius.
Emergency responders administered CPR, oxygen, and cold compresses in an attempt to stabilize her condition before she was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Sadly, Atziri did not survive.
Following the incident, the match and the remainder of the tournament were suspended, with scheduled matches for Sunday being canceled.
The Michoacan State Prosecutor’s Office has since opened an investigation to determine if health and safety protocols were properly followed during the event.
In a heartfelt tribute, Chivas described Atziri as a “champion” and expressed their grief. The club released a statement saying:
“The Chivas Lzc Family is going through the worst of times saying goodbye to you, dear Atziri Galeana. You will always live in our hearts. You have left an indelible mark on your teammates, coaching staff, supporters, and the Club. Until we meet again to play a more beautiful final, rest in peace, champion. Celebrate up there as you leave as a worthy champion. We will always carry this championship in our hearts for you, forever our warrior.”
The tournament’s overseeing organization, Liga Deportiva de Guacamayas, also shared condolences and a floral tribute in memory of Atziri, expressing solidarity with her family and the sports community.
“We deeply regret what happened in the final of the Women’s Youth category between the Chivas and Arcelor Mittal Toriz teams,” the organization said. “We join in the grief that overwhelms the family of Nina Atziri Galeana and the sports community of our Municipal League. We express our condolences for this irreparable loss and offer our solidarity to her family, parents, and siblings, hoping they find comfort soon.”
