Cesar David 'Tigre' Ruiz, a 34-year-old striker for Argentinian side El Rejunte FC, died in a motorbike crash in the early hours of Sunday morning, just hours after scoring in his team's 3-0 away win over Independiente de Tafí Viejo on Saturday.
Crash details
Ruiz was riding a red-and-black Honda CG New Titan to a harvest job when his motorbike collided with a grey Toyota Hilux pickup truck at dawn. The crash happened in the town of Los Ralos in Tucumán Province at around 6.10am on Sunday, September 21. The footballer died at the scene.
His passenger, Víctor Rafael Ortiz, was hurt and taken to Hospital Ángel C. Padilla. The pickup driver was treated at Hospital de Los Ralos. Homicide Unit No 2 ordered a forensic exam and seized both vehicles for tests.
Tributes from club and team-mates
El Rejunte FC wrote: "A brother is leaving us, someone who did not just wear the shirt but felt it in the deepest way. Thank you, dear Tigre, for giving everything for these colours in every match, for your unconditional effort, for your fight and for the joy you always gave us on and off the pitch."
"How much pain you leave us, Tigre. We keep your usual joy, your teamwork and that last goal in our shirt, which we will hold forever in the club's memory."
A team-mate wrote: "Yesterday we were congratulating you for the goal and today you are gone." Another wrote: "Brother, you left me alone with the dream you always talked about. We will fight for that for you."
Local reaction and funeral
The Tucumán Football League said: "The Executive Committee deeply regrets the death of César David Ruiz."
Ruiz had also played for another local amateur club, Kilómetro 13. Neighbours in Villa La Tercera called him a local idol. His wake was held at the family home, and he was later taken to Los Ralos cemetery for burial. He leaves behind partner Ivana and three children. The investigation into his death continues.
