Surfer Israel Barona dies at 34 after multiple seizures

A sad day for the surfing community across the world as they mourn the death of young Ecuadorian surfer, Israel Barona. He was bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics, aspiring to become one of Ecuador's first international surfing icons.

Image source: Instagram (Israel_barona)

It was reported that Israel Barona had multiple seizures at a hotel in El Zonte, La Libertad (El Salvador) on October 31, and was taken to the nearest hospital where he would later be pronounced dead.

Local police have opened an investigation and are currently looking into the potential causes of his death. So far, the police have rejected the idea of a homicide, according to PCN El Salvador.

According to the local media EXPRESO, Israel Barona suffered a heart attack after having dinner near the hotel. "We know the cause of his death wasn't related to surfing or anything like that; it all happened after he finished having dinner with his wife Marie and his son Tiago.

Image source: Instagram (Israel_barona)

While falling asleep, Barona was experiencing issues breathing. According to his wife, he began having seizures right after.

"We do not know exactly what happened or what caused him [Israel Barona] to experience the seizures, but what we know is that his wife was with him the whole time," shared Javier Aguirre with the media, ex-president of the Ecuadorian Surf Federation.

Although Barona received some medical assistance at the Hotel, the 45-minute journey to the hospital made the situation worse.

The Ecuadorian Olympic Committee shared their condolences with the family and mourned the loss of one of their most promising surfers. Barona was a leader in and out of the water and was arguably their strongest surfer for the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

During the 2022-23 season, Barona finished 170th in the WSL rank (World Surf League).

Image source: Instagram (Israel_barona)

He was also the brother of the all-famous Dominic Barona, considered one of the best Latin American surfers.