Panama footballer Gilberto Hernandez has been shot lifeless on the age of 26 after gunmen opened hearth on a bunch of individuals within the nation's capital of Colon. Hernandez, who made his worldwide debut for Panama earlier this 12 months, was killed within the capturing whereas seven others had been left with accidents.

The 26-year-old was amongst a bunch of individuals gathered close to a constructing on Sunday afternoon when he was gunned down by armed males. It will not be but clear if Hernandez, who additionally performed for Club Atletico Independiente, was the meant goal of the capturing or what the motive was.

Two gunmen pressured a taxi driver to take them to the constructing earlier than fleeing within the aftermath of the incident, in response to the BBC. One of the suspects has since been arrested in a close-by flat however the different is claimed to stay on the unfastened.

There has been an increase in gun violence and murders in Colon in latest months, with gangs battling one another for management of profitable drug-smuggling routes. Over 50 folks have been killed within the metropolis, which serves as a transit level for cocaine smuggled out of South America and into Europe, for the reason that starting of the 12 months.

Hernandez's father has since urged gangs in Colon to 'cease the violence', calling on native authorities to 'launch tasks to avoid wasting the youth'. He additionally begged his son's killers handy themselves in, urging: "Don't cause more harm."

Tributes got here flooding in for Hernandez after the news of his loss of life was reported, with the Panama soccer federation posting on X: "The Panamanian Football Federation regrets the sensitive death of Gilberto Hernández, player of the CAI [Club Atletico Independiente] and of Panama.

"FEPAFUT extends its condolences to his household and family members, in addition to to all the CAI and Panamanian soccer household. Peace to his soul."

Manuel Arias, president of the federation, added: "My most honest condolences to the household of Gilberto Hernandez, skilled participant who loses his life at present, sadly for being within the unsuitable place on the unsuitable time. A pattern of the violence that shakes our society, and that we should fight."

Hernandez's death comes six years after fellow Panama international Amilcar Henriquez was killed in a shooting incident, which also took place in Colon. He was part of the Panama team that qualified for the World Cup in 2018 before he was gunned down while leaving his house.

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