Argentina: Soccer Fan Falls 50 Feet to His Death During River Plate Match in Buenos Aires

Tragedy struck during a soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina between legendary team River Plate and Defensa y Justicia after a fan fell to his death from a stand. The match was subsequently halted as medical personnel rushed to where the fan fell.

According to the BBC, the fan was identified as 53-year-old Pablo Marcelo Serrano. As soon as he fell, a referee stopped play. Serrano reportedly died on the spot, though no foul play is suspected.

He was at the Sivori Alta grandstand when he fell 50 feet below. River Plate then released a statement, saying, "The medical service immediately arrived at the area of the incident, as did the police and various security agencies."

The Argentinian club, considered one of the most storied soccer teams, also stated that "The Sivori Alta grandstand was at 90% of its capacity. At the time of the fall, there was no intervention by third parties. It was also verified that there was no situation of violence in the stands or around it."

River Plate Announces Day of Mourning for Fan Who Died

Following the fan's death, River Plate also announced that the Monumental Stadium, the home stadium of River Plate, would remain closed for 24 hours as authorities continue their investigation and gather evidence.

Meanwhile, the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, Argentina's top soccer league, also released a statement, saying that they shared in the "pain and suffering of family and friends" of Serrano, according to the BBC. The league also sent condolences to his family.

As for River Plate, the club stated that the tragedy was a "day of deep sadness." It also announced a day of mourning for the tragic death of Pablo Marcelo Serrano, adding that the team will be flying flags at half-mast. The club added that its activities "will be reduced to the minimum and essential."

Meanwhile, according to GOAL, a nephew of Serrano also posted a tribute on social media, saying, "I love you with my soul, uncle. Heaven has one more angel. RIP."

While Serrano was a River Plate fan, their opponents on that tragic day, Defensa y Justicia, also paid tribute to him and also sent his family and friends their condolences.

"Match suspended due to the death of a River fan. We send our condolences to the family, the club, and all its supporters," read the opposing club's statement.

River Plate Home Stadium Recently Finished Renovations When Fan Fell

Along with Boca Juniors, River Plate is considered one of the best soccer teams in South America and one of the greatest teams to ever exist in Argentina. It has one of the largest followings of any soccer club in the world, and that is saying a lot.

A few months before the tragic death, the club's home stadium, the Monumental, recently underwent renovations. These renovations were for the lower stands, and these improved its capacity to 83,198 people. The club may now have to add more measures to ensure safety in the upper stands this time.

Despite the large number of people who watched the game against Defensa y Justicia, however, authorities still managed to clear the stadium without any stampedes or other problems, as crowds were able to make an orderly exit in just around 30 minutes.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH:: Video Pablo Marcelo Fan death during match River Plate vs Defensa y Justicia after fall in Stadium - EMI NEWS