Victor Barrio: ‘My life has gone’ says widow of Spanish bullfighter gored to death in ring

Victor Barrio was the first matador to be killed in a Spanish bull ring since 1985

The widow of a Spanish matador, who was killed during a bullfight broadcast live on television, has said her “life is gone” following his death.

Professional bullfighter Victor Barrio was killed at the Feria del Angel festival in Teruel, eastern Spain on Saturday when a bull flipped him over with its horn and continued to gore him while he lay on the ground.

Bystanders immediately rushed to help the 29-year-old, who sustained severe injuries from the bull, which reportedly weighed 529 kilos. He died later in hospital.

He is the first matador to be gored to death in a Spanish bullring since 1985, according to Spanish media.

Amid a flood of tributes commemorating Mr Barrio, his wife, Raquel Sanz, has expressed her thanks to those sending condolences for their support, writing on Twitter: “Thanks to everyone. I cannot reply to you, I have no words. My life is gone. I have no strength, although I have a lot of thanks.”

The 32-year-old journalist also posted a poem by Spanish poet Jose Leon, which concludes with the line: ‘How I would love to believe that there is glory for all those who lose their lives on the horns of bulls.”

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey sent his condolences over Twitter saying: “My condolences to the family and colleagues of Victor Barrio, bullfighter who died in Teruel. Rest in peace.”

The Plaza de Las Ventas bullfighting ring in Madrid said: “Distressed and affected. Rest in peace, Victor Barrio. All of us send our condolences to his team and to his family and friends.”

Mr Barrio’s death has sparked calls from animal rights activists to end the controversial sport, which is a traditional part of Spanish culture.

The animal rights political party, PACMA, have condemned bull fighting and set up a petition calling for the mother of the bull that killed Mr Barrio – Lorenza – not to be slaughtered, as is tradition in Spain.

The group said on Facebook: “No rite, tradition or custom based on a succession of deaths, fed by the blood and hatred, can be good for any society.

“We only know one ethical end to end all this: the total abolition of bullfighting festivities."

The post has been shared over 7,000 times and garnered over 1,300 comments.

Opposition to bullfighting has grown in recent years. Earlier in 2016, the left-wing party Podemos, proposed banning bullfighting in the Balearic Islands.