After Over 3 Decades, A Spanish Bullfighter Was Killed in the Ring

Victor Barrio was the first professional bullfighter to be killed in the ring in more than three decades. (Photo : AP)

A bullfighter was fatally gored in an eastern town in Spain– the first professional matador to be killed in the ring in more than three decades.

Victor Barrio, 29, was pronounced dead late on Saturday by a surgeon at the Teruel bullring. Barrio was first gored in the thigh by the 1,166-pound (530-kilogram) bull’s left horn and his body was flipped over.

He was gored a second time in the chest and the blow penetrated a lung and his aorta. Medics were at his side almost immediately, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.

The goring of Barrio was broadcast live on television and news of his death stirred widespread reaction ranging from the bullfighting community to well-known politicians.

“My condolences to the family and colleagues of Victor Barrio, the deceased bullfighter this evening in Teruel. Rest in Peace,” Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted.

Prominent bullfighter Enrique Ponce said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of his colleague in the ring. “Let God embrace him in all his glory. Great matador.”

Participants at the famed running of the bulls at the San Fermin festivities in Pamplona wore improvised black armbands in honour of the fallen matador while dashing along the streets on the way to the bullring on Sunday morning.