Mexican Wrestler Arrested After Veteran Referee Dies During Match in Hidalgo
A 75-year-old veteran wrestling referee died in Mexico after an in-ring incident during an event lacking medical staff, leading to the arrest of wrestler El Hijo de Fishman.
A tragic incident occurred during a professional wrestling event in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, resulting in the death of 75-year-old veteran referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, widely known as "El Búho" (The Owl). The 36-year-old wrestler known as "El Hijo de Fishman" (The Son of Fishman) was arrested by local authorities following the event, which is now facing extensive scrutiny over safety violations.
The Incident and Investigation
The event took place at the 11 de Julio sports complex in Mineral de la Reforma. According to preliminary reports, the veteran referee intervened during a main match between El Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada, where he allegedly sustained a dangerous piledriver maneuver. Witnesses and media reports noted that Pineda remained motionless on the mat for several minutes as spectators and participants initially believed it was part of the staged show. Furthermore, reports confirmed that no medical staff or ambulance were present at the venue, violating local regulations for sporting exhibitions.
"The authorities are investigating whether the maneuver directly caused the referee's death and what the extent of liability is for those involved, including the event organizers."
Organizer Negligence and Legal Response
Beyond the arrest of the wrestler, local authorities from La Jornada reported that the venue lacked the proper permits to host the event and had previously obstructed safety inspections. The production company, El Patrón Espectáculos, issued a statement confirming they are providing legal assistance to the detained wrestler and maintaining communication with the victim's family. The tragedy has reignited severe concerns regarding the regulation and medical preparedness of independent wrestling events in Mexico.