Gilberto Hernández, a Panamanian footballer who represented the national team, tragically lost his life after being shot in Colón city.

The Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) officially confirmed the passing of the 26-year-old defender in a statement released on Monday. The statement conveyed FEPAFUT’s condolences to his family, loved ones, as well as the entire football community, including Club Atletico Independiente de La Chorrera (CAI) and Panamanian football.

Hernandez had been playing for Club Atletico Independiente de La Chorrera in the Panamanian Football League and had made two appearances for the national team. Thomas Christiansen, the manager of the Panama national team, expressed his sincere condolences to Gilberto Hernández’s family through a social media post.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire inside a building in Barrio Norte, Colón. Regrettably, Hernández lost his life in the shooting, and seven others were reportedly injured. The Panamanian national police have confirmed the apprehension of a suspect linked to the football player’s murder in the province of Colón.

Gilberto Hernández began his football career with Club Deportivo Árabe Unido in Colón in 2018 and played for the team until 2022 when he transferred to Herrera FC. After a brief stint with Herrera FC, he joined Club Atletico Independiente de La Chorrera, where he scored seven goals in 32 matches. On the international stage, Hernández received a call-up to represent the Panama U-22 team at the 2019 Pan American Games.