A bullfighter was fatally gored in Spain in an eastern town — the first professional matador to be killed in the ring in more than three decades.
Victor Barrio, 29, was pronounced dead late Saturday by a surgeon at the Teruel bullring. Barrio was first gored in the thigh by the 1,166-pound (530-kilogram) bull’s left horn and his body was flipped over.
He was gored a second time in the chest and the blow penetrated a lung and his aorta as the matador was on the ground.
Medics were at his side almost immediately, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful. The goring of Barrio was broadcast live on television and news of his death stirred widespread reaction ranging from the bullfighting community to politicians.
“My condolences to the family and colleagues of Victor Barrio, the deceased bullfighter this evening in Teruel. Rest in Peace,” Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted.
Prominent bullfighter Enrique Ponce said he was “deeply saddened by the death of my colleague in the ring. Let God embrace him in all his glory. Great matador.”
Participants at the famed running of the bulls at the San Fermin festivities in Pamplona wore improvised black armbands in honor of the fallen matador while dashing along the streets on the way to the bullring on Sunday morning.
Festivities in Teruel were immediately suspended following Barrio’s death, and Las Ventas, the Madrid bullring were he debuted back in 2010, posted a heartfelt remembrance of the young bullfighter.
He was the first professional matador to die during a bullfight in Spain since 21-year-old Frenchman Jose Cubero Yiyo was fatally gored in 1985 in Madrid.
Before Barrio’s death, Manolo Montoliu, then 38, and Ramon Soto Vargas, 39, were also fatally gored in 1992 in Seville while serving as “banderilleros,” matador’s assistants.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
And I suppose they killed the bull, too? The bull was following his instincts-doing what he was supposed to do. Just maybe this sport is past it’s time?
If the matador dies in the fight, the bull is supposed to be released and never fought again. I hope that’s what they did. My condolences to the matador’s family.
This is an out of date, inhumane and barbaric ritual. It tortures the animals extensively until they are driven mad with pain. It needs to be stopped.
Run with them all you like. At least you have the choice.
Every matador should be killed for torturing the bulls. This is beyond inhumane
No sympathies here he got what he deserved for torturing the bull. May he never R.I.P for his cruelty.
Pat, peta looking for more whackos like you idiot, human or animal? I bet you also support a woman’s rite to choose over that of the unborn. Ass backwards thinking. I suppose the gorilla should have been able to maul the zoo child rather than kill the gorilla, right idiot?
I have watched bullfights in Barcelona Spain and TJ Mexico. The Bull, He does not always loose. It’s a little like a cat and a mouse. After the cat mortally wounds the mouse, he plays with it for a long time before the mouse dies. Then the cat with much pride will bring the dead mouse into the house and present it to you as a prize. The cat gets petted and is protected by the Humane Society.
It seems only fair to know, When are we going to organize and sponser a bullfight to raise money for the Humane Society?
The animal followed his instincts that’s why they call it a bull fight somebody wins somebody loses today the bull won most times he loses. At least he gets a chance to fight for his life instead of just being slaughtered!!