Soccer player dead at 21 after terrifying midgame collision

A football match in Peru was brought to a standstill after a horrifying collision that resulted in a 21-year-old player passing away.

Warning: This article contains content that may be distressing to some readers

A Peruvian soccer player tragically died after colliding with the opposing goalkeeper while battling for a ball in the attacking zone.

The recent incident occurred during the 70th minute of the Copa Peru match between Real Titan NC and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca when Helar Gonzales Altamirano, 21, got clipped in the head when the goalkeeper jumped for the ball, the NY Post reports.

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Altamirano fell to the ground immediately and lay motionless, with players from both teams nearly instantaneously expressing concern for him.

Watch the collision in the video player above

The Real Titan NC player was placed on a stretcher and put into an ambulance before being taken to a hospital in the northern Peru city of Moyobamba, where he died after spending two days in critical condition, the team confirmed on Thursday.

The terrifying incident unfolded mid-match. Credit: facebook/Chiclayonoticiasendirecto

Helar lay motionless after the collision.

“Rest in peace friend. We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain,” the team said in a statement, per Metro.

“Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them.”

Altamirano’s brother, Eliceo, had told the media in Peru that his brother had suffered a ruptured artery in his head that stemmed from blunt force trauma.

Altamirano’s father expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support for his son in a statement to local media, Metro reported.

The 21-year-old athlete was taken to the hospital and later died. Credit: facebook/Chiclayonoticiasendirecto.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing,” Jose said.

“Helar wanted to be a great footballer from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could. I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him. I thought at first when I saw the clash that it was another player and didn’t initially connect that it was Helar.

“I wanted to go onto the pitch to be nearer my son when I realised it was him but they wouldn’t let me and I didn’t see him until we got to hospital when he was already critical.”

The family will hold Altamirano’s funeral on Friday.

This article originally appeared on the NY Post and was reproduced with permission.