A 14-year-old footballer died after being struck by a ball during a match in a freak accident in Argentina. Benjamin Valentin Donofrio, a youth player with Club Atletico Sarmiento de La Banda, was participating in a game on Tuesday afternoon (June 16) when a powerful shot hit him in the chest and stomach.
According to witnesses, Valentin fell to the ground in severe pain. He managed to get back to his feet after a few seconds, but after taking a few steps, he collapsed again in front of his friends. Moments later, he began convulsing, prompting an urgent call for emergency medical assistance at the pitch in La Banda.
Paramedics arrived and Valentin was rushed by ambulance to the nearest health centre. However, he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest during the journey. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff performed CPR but were unable to revive the teenager.
Understanding Commotio Cordis
Blows to the chest can, in rare cases, trigger severe disturbances in the heart's rhythm if they happen at a very specific moment in the heart's electrical cycle. This phenomenon, known as commotio cordis, has been documented across a range of sports and can follow seemingly harmless impacts from balls, pucks, or other sporting projectiles.
Investigation Underway
The Banda and Robles Prosecutor's Unit has ordered a post-mortem examination to determine whether the death was directly linked to the impact or whether other contributing factors were involved.
Club Atletico Sarmiento wrote online: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this painful time. He will always be remembered for his time with us."
Club Atletico Sarmiento competes in the Torneo Federal A, one of the two professional leagues that form the regionalised third level of the Argentine football league system, along with Primera B Metropolitana.
