On Friday night in Mexico, Perro Aguayo, Jr. passed away during an event in Tijuana, Mexico. The tragic death is a grim reminder of the safety issues associated with combat sports.
For those that do not know, the Wrestling Observer reports that wrestler Perro Aguayo, Jr. died, apparently in the ring, in a match Aguayo, Jr. was in a tag team match which included former WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio, Jr. Aguay, Jr., 35, was a popular wrestler in Mexico.
According to reports, Aguayo, Jr. died of a cervical spinal injury. While it’s still unclear about whether his death could have been prevented after the in-ring injury, it should be noted that two other wrestlers were injured on the same event earlier in the night. It’s not known at this time whether there was a delay in medical help to Aguayo, Jr. due to the other injuries. But, the ringside doctor was in the back tending to another wrestler at the time of the incident. The report is that there were two ambulances at the show but both stretchers were being used and a plywood board was used to carry Aguayo, Jr. from the ring to the back. Also, the match continued for a couple minutes before anyone recognized the severity of his injuries.
A CBS news report is stating that the Baja California state prosecutor is opening up an investigation of possible manslaughter.
Payout Perspective:
The death is a reminder that even in professional wrestling there are high risks taken by the performers. It also reflects the fact for the need for medical attention at these events. Unfortunately, it appears that the doctor on site was attending to another wrestler. The medical needs of medical professionals at combat sports seem overlooked at times and there is a balance between the costs of providing such assistance versus the precautionary need to ensure safety. Notably, in Washington State, it revised a law this year which requires at least one physician and an ambulance or paramedical unit on scene at the event. Previously, it was either one or the other. The implication is that if someone is taken to the hospital by the ambulance, the event must stop until another ambulance returns to the event. Another issue is the cost to pay both physician and ambulance at an event. This was brought up when comment was requested of the revision to the law. Specifically, for smaller organizations, the costs are a hurdle.
It might be that even if there were a physician immediately there treating Aguayo, Jr., it might not have helped. We may know pending further investigation. Obviously, the Commission in Tijuana is different and has called the death “an unfortunate accident like those that occur in other high-risk sports.”
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