Surfer Katherine Diaz Dies by Lightning Strike

Tragic news from the surfing world as we just learned Katherine Diaz, Salvadoreña surfer has passed away after being struck by lightning while training. At 22, Katherine was training to represent El Salvador at the 2022 Olympics in Tokyo in El Tunco when a lightning storm came in. This is an unbelievable loss for the surf community and especially for the Salvadorean sports community. 

The International Surfing Association issued the following statement: 

“It is with a heavy heart that the ISA has learned about the passing of El Salvador’s Katherine Diaz.”

“Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport. She excelled at the international competition level, representing her country with pride at both the ISA World Surfing Games and ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.”

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Katherine’s family, the surfers of El Salvador, and to all those in the international surfing community whose lives she touched.”

“We will never forget you.”

Our hearts go out to Katherine’s family, friends and loved ones.