Christian Rogelio Benitez, also known as Chucho, was a famous Ecuadorian soccer star who played as a striker for several clubs and the national team. He was widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and a prolific scorer. He died at the age of 27 on July 29, 2013, just hours after making his debut for his new club, El Jaish, in Qatar. His sudden and tragic death shocked the soccer world and left many fans and colleagues in grief. But what was the cause of his death and how did it happen?
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What is Peritonitis?
According to Latin Times, the medical records revealed that Benitez’s sudden death was caused by heart failure. However, the heart failure was triggered by a condition called peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. Peritonitis can be caused by various factors, such as infection, injury, or rupture of an organ.
Peritonitis can be a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly and properly. It can cause severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty breathing. It can also lead to sepsis, which is a systemic inflammatory response to infection that can damage multiple organs and cause organ failure. In Benitez’s case, peritonitis caused his heart to stop working properly and eventually fail.
How Did Benitez Get Peritonitis?
The exact cause of Benitez’s peritonitis is not clear, but there are some possible explanations. According to CNN, Benitez was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains after playing his first match for El Jaish. He had complained of abdominal discomfort before the match, but decided to play anyway. He scored a goal and helped his team win 2-0 against Qatar SC.
Some sources suggest that Benitez had appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis can cause severe pain in the lower right abdomen and can lead to peritonitis if the appendix bursts and releases bacteria into the abdominal cavity. However, this has not been confirmed by official medical reports.
Another possibility is that Benitez had a gastric ulcer, which is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Gastric ulcers can cause pain in the upper abdomen and can lead to peritonitis if they perforate and allow stomach acid to leak into the abdominal cavity. Gastric ulcers can be caused by various factors, such as stress, medication, infection, or diet.
How Could Benitez’s Death Have Been Prevented?
Peritonitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The treatment usually involves antibiotics to fight infection and surgery to repair any damage or remove any source of inflammation in the abdomen. If peritonitis is diagnosed and treated early enough, the chances of survival are high.
However, in Benitez’s case, there may have been some delays or complications that prevented him from getting adequate treatment. According to CNN, Benitez was transferred from one hospital to another after his initial admission. He also had to undergo several tests before being diagnosed with peritonitis. He died before he could receive surgery.
What Was The Impact Of Benitez’s Death?
Benitez’s death was a huge loss for his family, friends, teammates, fans, and country. He left behind his wife Liseth and three young children: two daughters and a son who was born after his death. He also left behind a legacy of achievements and honors in soccer. He scored 24 goals in 58 appearances for Ecuador’s national team and played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America tournaments. He won two league titles with El Nacional in Ecuador and one with Santos Laguna in Mexico. He was also named as the best player of the Clausura 2008 in Mexico and received an award as the best Ecuadorian footballer playing outside Ecuador in 2007.
Benitez’s death also raised awareness and concern about the health and safety of soccer players, especially those who play in hot and humid climates or under stressful conditions. His death prompted calls for more medical screening and testing, better equipment and facilities, and more support and protection for players. His death also sparked a wave of tributes and solidarity from the soccer community and beyond. Many clubs, players, and fans honored his memory by wearing his number 11 jersey, holding a minute of silence, or dedicating goals or matches to him. His former club, Club America, retired his number 11 jersey in his honor.
Conclusion
Chucho Benitez was a talented and beloved soccer star who died of heart failure caused by peritonitis at the age of 27. His death was a tragic and preventable event that could have been avoided with timely and proper diagnosis and treatment. His death also had a profound impact on his family, country, and sport. He will always be remembered as one of the best players of his generation and a legend of Ecuadorian soccer.
