Rugby player Benjamín Gamond murdered in shocking machete attack

The rugby world is mourning the tragic death of young Argentinian player Benjamín Gamond. The athlete, who was in Mexico with friends, succumbed to injuries suffered in a machete attack in the Chacahua Lagoons, off the coast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He was only 23 years old.

(Photo: Facebook/benja.gamondtrc)

Gamond was on the Mexican coast with two other Argentine tourists, Macarena Elía and Santiago Lastra who were also attacked, but their injuries were less severe, and are both in stable condition.

(Photo: Facebook/benja.gamondtrc)

Little is known about the attack so far. It was reported by several Latin American media  outlets that the attacker was with the three Argentinian tourists and attacked them with a machete after an argument. "The attacker hit the Argentines in the head, hands and arms," said journalist Azucena Uresti on MilenioTV's 'Azucena a las 10' program.

(Photo: Facebook/benja.gamondtrc)

According to the same source, Gamond and his two friends were attacked by a man while they were at a local restaurant. After the incident and due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained, witnesses to the event took the attacked tourists by boat to the village of El Zapotalito. There they were cared for by members of the civil defense and rushed to a hospital in Puerto Escondido.

Photo: Facebook/benja.gamondtrc

Unfortunately, Gamond died as a result of the injuries three days after the incident. The rugby player's family confirmed the news on social media. "It is with great pain that the Gamond family share the sad news that Benja did not make it."

(Photo: Facebook/benja.gamondtrc)

"The miracle did not happen. The effort was enormous, as well as his strength and heart, but it did not work. We ask that you understand our situation and respect the family's pain. Thank you."

(Photo: Instagram / Carmela Martínez)

For her part, the late athlete's partner, Carmela Martínez, sent a loving message in memory of Benjamín Gamond via her social media: "Hello, Tarzán. Thank you for so much love."

(Photo: Instagram / Carmela Martínez)

"I will love you for a thousand more lifetimes," she said, posting several old photos of the couple.

(Photo: Instagram / Carmela Martínez)

The incident has sparked consternation both in Argentina, the home country of the slain rugby player, and in Mexico, where it happened.

(Photo: Instagram / Carmela Martínez)

The Spanish broadcaster 'Antena 3' reported that according to the Villa de Tututepec government, the attacker was a man from Guerrero who was apparently asking for work in the restaurant. He has reportedly been arrested since.

(Photo: Facebook / benja.gamondtrc)

The murdered young sports star had a promising rugby career, playing for Tala Rugby Club. He was known there as Benja and his teammates also mourn him: "Rest in peace. We will always remember you with this smile," it said on social media.

(Photo: Twitter)

Athletes who have suffered permanent injuries