LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Gilberto Hernandez, a 26-year-old Panama international defender, was tragically shot dead in the city of Colon, Panama.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, 3 September, when gunmen opened fire on a gathering of individuals inside a building in Colon, with Gilberto Hernandez among them.
Unfortunately, Hernandez lost his life, and seven others sustained injuries during the attack. Panama Football League confirmed this devastating news through an official statement.
The Panama Federation also expressed its condolences, stating that it deeply regrets the untimely passing of Gilberto Hernandez and extends sympathy to his family, loved ones, and the entire CAI and Panamanian football community.
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In a subsequent statement issued on Monday, the national police announced the apprehension of a suspect believed to be involved in the murder of the football player, which occurred on Sunday in the province of Colon.
Notably, Panama’s Colón province, with a population of approximately 300,000, reported 102 homicides last year, which was nine fewer than the previous year, according to government statistics. Authorities attribute much of the violence to rival drug gangs.
At the time of his tragic death, Gilberto Hernandez was a player for the Panamanian team Independiente.