Gone Too Soon: International Ecuadorian Soccer Star Christian ‘Chucho’ Benitez Dies at 27
El Jaish's forward player Christian Benitez has passed away Monday in a hospital in Doha, Qatar, a day after his debut in the club. He was initially admitted because of severe abdomen pains, but ultimately died because of cardio-respiratory arrest.
He was just 27 years old.
An outpour of condolences and tributes has been consistently flowing from his former mates, clubs and fans since news of his death broke out.
One mate in particular, Antonio Valencia of Manchester United, wrote a series of tweets honouring the late Ecuadorian player. One of which read 'thank you for your joy this pooch has no name' in Spanish:
Gracias chucho por tu alegría esto no tiene nombre pic.twitter.com/R0yXwnQUnF
— Antonio Valencia (@7AntoV) July 29, 2013
Birmingham City Football Club expressed their sadness in the passing of their former striker by releasing a 2-minute tribute video at the time Chucho was on loan to the club in the 2009-2010 season at St. Andrews. The video can be found on their official Youtube account.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) also released a statement on its official website Monday extending its 'heartfelt note of sympathy' to those close to Chucho. FEF President, Luis Chiriboga, announced that the Federation will charter a flight for the return of the deceased player's body and that the national team's training ground will be named after Benitez.
Benitez was born to Ermen de Jesus Benitez, a former Serie A professional soccer player. He made his debut club career in El Nacional before moving to Santos Laguna in 2007. Two years later, he was loaned to Birmingham and returned to Santos Laguna in 2010. Before officially signing onto Qatari El Jaish Sports Club, he played for Club America for three years.
Chucho leaves behind Liseth, daughter of international soccer player Cleber Chala, and their two children.