Top footballer aged just 24 dies from heart failure after collapsing in training as club pays heartfelt tribute
COLUMBIAN footballer Guillermo Beltran has tragically died aged 24 after collapsing in training.
The Real Santa Cruz striker complained of dizziness and nausea before falling to the floor on Friday.
Club staff desperately tried to resuscitate the forward and promptly called an ambulance after their efforts to rouse him failed.
But he tragically passed away as he was being transported to the hospital.
Bolivian side Real Santa Cruz announced his passing in a statement on their social media pages.
It read: “Today, at 7:30 p.m., we say goodbye to our beloved player, Guillermo Denis Beltran, at the Real Santa Cruz Club headquarters.
“We extend a cordial invitation to all realistic fans to join us for our final goodbye and say goodbye to our player, who left an indelible mark on our hearts and on the history of our club.
“We thank you in advance for your presence and expressions of affection at this difficult time for all of us.”
In another statement, the club said of Beltran: “He was much more than a talented player: he was a friend.
“A teammate and an inspiration to many.
“His passion for the game and his tireless spirit will continue to be remembered and valued forever.”
Real Santa Cruz director Adolfo Soria Galvarro said of the tragedy: “He was training as usual and then he collapsed.
“They tried to resuscitate him but he died as he was being moved to a clinic.”
Real Santa Cruz posted a touching video tribute to their late player on social media, with the accompanying caption reading: “Fly high, dear friend.”
Scores of fans commented, with one saying: “How sad, may the Lord give strength to his family.”
Another said: “Fly high.”
And another said: “Lots of strength for your family and friends, it’s a shame.”
One remarked: “God give you eternal light.”
Another chimed in: “What a great talent that left us, God, I have you in his glory, champion.”
Bolivian Football Federation president Fernando Costa also paid tribute to the late Beltran and has vowed to launch a full investigation into his passing.
The Bolivian national team paid their respects to Beltran on Friday night with a minute’s silence before their FIFA Series match with Algeria.
Beltran – who joined Real Santa Cruz last year from Paraguayan side Rubio Nu – began his career with Atletico Nacional.