A footballer has died in a horror motorbike crash two days after scoring.
César David ‘Tigre’ Ruiz, 34, was killed after his motorbike hit a pickup truck at dawn.
He was riding a red-and-black Honda CG New Titan to a harvest job when he collided with a grey Toyota Hilux.
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He died at the scene.
Passenger Víctor Rafael Ortiz was hurt and taken to Hospital Ángel C. Padilla.
The smash happened in the town of Los Ralos in Tucumán Province, Argentina, at about 6.10am on Sunday (21 Sep).
The pickup driver was treated at Hospital de Los Ralos.
Homicide Unit No 2 ordered a forensic exam and seized both vehicles for tests.
Ruiz played as a striker for amateur side El Rejunte FC in Tucumán League’s Primera B.
He had also played for another local amateur club, Kilómetro 13.
On Saturday, he scored in a 3-0 away win over Independiente de Tafí Viejo.
It was the fifth match of the second half of the Tucumán League Primera B season.
Neighbours in Villa La Tercera called him a local idol.
El Rejunte FC wrote: “A brother is leaving us, someone who did not just wear the shirt but felt it in the deepest way.
“Thank you, dear Tigre, for giving everything for these colours in every match, for your unconditional effort, for your fight and for the joy you always gave us on and off the pitch.
“How much pain you leave us, Tigre.
“We keep your usual joy, your teamwork and that last goal in our shirt, which we will hold forever in the club’s memory.”
A teammate wrote: “Yesterday we were congratulating you for the goal and today you are gone.”
Another wrote: “Brother, you left me alone with the dream you always talked about.
“We will fight for that for you.”
The Tucumán Football League said: “The Executive Committee deeply regrets the death of César David Ruiz.”
His wake was held at the family home.
He was later taken to Los Ralos cemetery for burial, as reported by Need To Know.
He leaves behind partner Ivana and three children.
The investigation into his death continues.
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