A 16-year-old footballer has been shot dead by a gunman in a brazen daytime attack.
Erandi Martínez was blasted with at least one bullet at around 3:30 pm on Sunday afternoon (25 Oct).
Neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing the gunfire and immediately called the emergency services.
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The police arrived quickly on the scene and loaded the seriously injured teenager into a patrol car.
They raced towards the nearest hospital in a desperate bid to save his life.
However, the teen star died from his injuries during the transfer and was pronounced dead on arrival.
The attack took place in the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz State, Mexico, which has experienced significant levels of violent crime in recent years.
The promising under-17 player belonged to a football academy linked to semi-professional local team Alebrijes Altas Montañas. He had also competed in Mexico’s Superliga MX, which features top adult regional teams.
His club issued an emotional tribute describing him as joyful, committed and admired by everyone.
“Erandi was a young man with dreams, goals and a future ahead of him,” they said.
“It hurts us deeply that his life was extinguished so tragically, when he was only just beginning to build his path.”
Club officials condemned the violence outright and demanded justice.
“We categorically reject the violent acts that today mourn our community and condemn any act of violence,” the statement continued.
“Violence should have no place in our society.
“Today we join the pain of his family, friends and loved ones, raising our voice to demand justice for Erandi.”
They added that his departure must not be forgotten and that his story deserves justice.
Prosecutors from the regional office in Huatusco have opened a murder investigation and collected evidence from the scene, as reported by Need To Know.
No motive has been established, and no suspect has been identified.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about violence against amateur footballers in several Mexican states this year.
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