Watch: Crocodile attacks young footballer, drags body underwater; club pens heartfelt note

livemint.com:

A 29-year-old man, Jesus Alberto Lopez aka Chucho, lost his life to a crocodile attack over the weekend in the northwest province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica. The incident took place near the town of Santa Cruz, where Chucho jumped into the Cañas River from a bridge, unaware of the lurking danger posed by the crocodiles. Despite being abundant in Costa Rica's rivers and protected wilderness areas, crocodiles are known for their unpredictability and can quickly turn deadly when provoked or disturbed.

The crocodile swiftly attacked Lopez, dragging his body underwater and leaving him no chance of escape, according to The Tico Times that cited police sergeant Marcelino Hernandez of the Santa Cruz station. Witnesses to this harrowing scene saw the large reptile seize Lopez's lifeless body, causing panic and grief in the small community of Santa Cruz. Ortiz was a footballer-coach in a club team located in Carrillo that confirmed the death in a Facebook statement.

“Today is a very difficult day for everyone and we will remember you in the many facets of your sporting life as a coach, football player and also as a family father, you will always live in our hearts Chucho, fly high friend," the statement said. Later, the club shared a video showing hundreds of people gathering for the funeral procession. “Today we said goodbye Chucho, today around a thousand people will accompany you representing all your friends, family and the whole country that was with you," the club wrote.