The bizarre deaths of Colombian footballers Hernán Gaviria and Giovanni Córdoba

Hernán Gaviria was just 32 when he died in bizarre circumstances. The death of the former Colombia international left his country and his club in mourning, but what exactly happened? Stats and information on Gaviria's career are sourced from Transfermarkt.

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Gaviria was born 27 November 1969 and started his career at Atlético Nacional. Later on, he would also play for Deportes Tolima (loan), Deportivo Cali, Japan's Shonan Bellmare and Atlético Bucaramanga.

Gaviria was a midfielder with great character who played professionally from 1990 to 2002.

During his career, he established himself as a reliable part of the Colombian national team. In 1992, he competed at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, where he scored twice.

He also played in three Copas America and the 1994 World Cup, where he found the back of the net in the last group match against Switzerland.

In total, Gaviria was capped 28 times for his country and scored three goals. In 2002, however, tragedy struck 'Carepa', as he was nicknamed.

While playing for Deportivo Cali, Gaviria and his teammates were training in late October 2002 when they were taken completely by surprise, according to Latinamericanpost.

Gaviria was struck by lightning, fell to the ground and was killed instantly, according to the same source.

Gaviria was not the only victim, as his teammate Giovanni Córdoba was also hit. According to Latinamericanpost, Córdoba succumbed to his injuries three days later in hospital.

Gaviria and Córdoba were very unlucky, but they will forever be remembered in Colombia and the world of football.

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