By Lucy Caulkett-
A professional surfer in training for the next Olympics has tragically died after being struck by lightning.
Katherine Diaz was entering the water when she was struck during a training session at El Tunco Beach, in El Salvador.
The 22-year-old was hoping to take part in a forthcoming qualifier event for the Tokyo Olympic games.
Diaz was entering the water at the surfing hotspot on the Pacific coast, at around 5pm, when she was struck down.
Katherine Diaz was in the water at El Tunco beach in south-west El Salvador on Friday when she was reportedly struck by lightning.
“We raise a prayer for the eternal rest of her soul and we express our most sincere condolences to her family,” INDES said in a statement.
“Katherine came over to hug her friend, as soon as she finished hugging her, the noise was heard,” Diaz’s uncle, Beto Diaz, who says he was in the water with her, told a newspaper in El Salvador. “She, the friend, was thrown by the force of the lightning strike too, the board threw me back. Katherine died instantly.”
The International Surfing Association (ISA) 2021 Surf City El Salvador World Surfing Games are set to be held from May 29 to June 6 at the La Bocana and El Sunzal beaches.
It will serve as the final qualifying tournament for Tokyo 2020, where surfing will be making its debut Olympic appearance.
Friends and members of the public rushed to her aid and called an ambulance that raced her to hospital.
Tributes have flooded in for Katherine who have wished for “peace” for the 22-year-old’s “soul.”
Her brother, Bamba Diaz, said the family will always carry her “in our hearts” and added that they “already” miss her.
Mr Diaz said: “Sister we will always carry you in our hearts.
“God decided to take you now. We already miss you. Love forever.”
The president of the Salvadoran Sports Institute, Yamil Bukele, said he is “very sorry” for the death of Katherine and added the surf community is “overwhelmed” by the loss.
Mr Bukele said: “I just found out about the death of Salvadoran surfer Katherine Díaz.
“I am very sorry for this death and I join the pain that overwhelms her family. Our solidarity with ‘el Bamba’ and the surf family. Peace for your soul.”