Sad news to report: Former Birmingham City, Club America & Ecuadorian National Team player Christian “Chucho” Benitez died yesterday at age 27 after going into cardiorespiratory arrest.
Chucho had just signed to Qatar side El Jaish 3 weeks ago. He participated in a match vs. Qatar Sports Club in the Sheik Jassim Cup yesterday with no health issues. Later, he was eating at the hotel with his family and experienced severe stomach pain. His wife rushed him to the hospital. Unfortunately, he did not receive immediate attention there and a few hours later he had the cardiorespiratory arrest that ended his young life.
He is survived by his wife Liseth, twins Emily & Christian (who turn 4 on August 10), family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
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Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
Such a young talent. How unfortunate.
Godspeed, Chucho. You are gone much too soon.
Thank you so much for posting this. As an avid liga mx follower, (and my mom a fan of club America) I was shocked when I heard the news yesterday. He was a great player who’s loss will be mourned by many. May he rest in peace and many prayers for his family.
It’s a heartbreaking story and one has to wonder, would he have survived if he had immediate treatment? I feel so bad for his family.
That is an awful thought. My dad, who had congenital heart disease, had 4 heart attacks and was revived each time by the rapid response ambulences. On one occasion his heart had stopped beating for around 30 mins. I mention this bc Qatar are holding the world cup in 2018. I read some reports that he’d been without medical attention for 2 hrs when he died. Lets hope they have medical action plans in place by then. Love and prayers to Chucho’s family & friends x
im a Club America supporter in this was beyond heart breaking. I am so sad and i still can’t believe that Chucho is gone. I am still confused and wondering why he didn’t receive immediate medical attention at the hospital. it’s very upsetting. either way, Pest in Peace Chucho we will always love you.