Referee dies after collapsing during game at altitude in Bolivia

Victor Hugo Hurtado collapsed while officiating Always Ready vs Oriente Petrolero at the El Alto Municipal Stadium, which sits 3,900 meters above sea level

The tragedy occurred at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto (AFP/Getty )

A 31-year-old football referee who collapsed during a Bolivian league match at high altitude in the Andes has died after being taken to hospital.

The match between the Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero clubs was played at Municipal Stadium in El Alto, which sits about 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level.

Referee Victor Hugo Hurtado toppled backward and fell off the field after 47 minutes of the game.

Players and team doctors rushed to help Hurtado, who was quickly taken to hospital in an ambulance.

And now Always Ready team doctor Eric Kosziner has informed reporters that Hurtado suffered a heart attack on the field and eventually died in hospital after suffering a fatal, second attack shortly before arriving.

The Bolivian Football Federation confirmed Hurtado’s death in a statement which expressed their solidarity with Hurtado’s family.

Bolivian president Evo Morales Ayma released a statement sending condolences to the Hurtado

“We regret the passing of referee Victor Hugo Hurtado.

“We send our condolences and solidarity to your family, friends and colleagues. Bolivian football is in mourning.”

Always Ready president Fernando Costa said it was “too early” to link Hurtado’s death with the altitude of the stadium.

The fourth official Julio Fernando Gutierrez was brought in to complete the match which Always Ready won 5-0.

AP Sport contributed to this report