Tragedy at a wrestling match: Referee Dies—What Happened?

Tragedy struck in the ring in Mineral de la Reforma, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, where referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known by the nickname “El Buho,” lost his life during a lucha libre match between Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada NG.

According to local media reports, which were also confirmed by the lucha libre insider Luchablog, during the match, Hijo de Fishman allegedly lunged at the referee, then lifted him up and slammed him to the mat with a Double Underhook Piledriver. Pineda, born in 1951 and 75 years old, did not get back up after being hit with the move.

At first, none of those present reportedly realized the gravity of the situation. In the wrestling world, it is common for athletes to simulate the effects of blows received through a technique known as “selling,” and for this reason, it was initially assumed that this was simply a reaction to the move he had just endured.

When it became clear that the referee’s condition was serious, emergency services were called. Upon arrival, however, the paramedics could do nothing but confirm the death of “El Buho.” The incident is now under investigation by the authorities. Hijo de Fishman remains at the disposal of investigators, who will need to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and determine who, if anyone, is responsible.