Salvadoran Surfer, 22, Who Wanted To Participate in Tokyo Olympics Was Killed After Being Struck By Lightning

A Salvadoran surfer who was training to be in the Tokyo Olympics has died after being struck by lightning. 

This will be the first time surfing will be included as a competitive sport in the Summer Olympics, and 22-year-old surfer Katherine Diaz was looking forward to participating in them. Unfortunately, last Friday, the 22-year-old was struck by lightning in the southwest region of El Salvador. According to People and multiple outlets, the storm was not expected, and it was a sunny day.

According to People, Diaz was training at El Tunco beach when she was struck. People passing by tried to help before the paramedics arrived, but Katherine had already passed away. On Twitter, The International Surfing Association (ISA) responded to Diaz’s death.

“Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all as a global ambassador of the sport. She excelled at the int’l competition level, representing her country with pride at both the World Surfing Games and ISA World Jr Surfing Championship.”

At the time, Katherine’s uncle, Beto Diaz, was with her when she was killed. “Upon reaching the beach, Katherine met a German friend, who was also going surfing at the time,” said Beto. “Katherine approached to hug her; as soon as she finished hugging her, the noise was heard. She, the friend, was thrown by the force of the lightning strike too; the board threw me. Katherine passed away instantly.”