Who was Misael Sanchez? California soccer player DIES of injuries from massive fight over referee’s decision
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA: A 29-year-old California soccer player has died after receiving injuries during a massive brawl that broke out at a soccer match approximately two weeks ago.
Misael Sanchez, resident of Port Hueneme, died on Monday July 25 after being beaten up in a massive fight that occured between opposing team members and spectators on a soccer field at Oxnard High School, according to the Oxnard Police Department.
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Misael had been taken to the hospital on July 10 and he battled for his life for two weeks before he succumbed to his injuries. The Oxnard Police Department in California received a call for a police team to be sent to Oxnard High School after reports of a huge fight breaking out on the soccer field during a match. Police said the melee started at approximately 11 am over a disagreement regarding a referee’s call.
According to the police, Misael was attacked by multiple people. When the first responders arrived, they found him unresponsive and not breathing. Authorities rushed Misael to Ventura County Medical Center in a critical condition. The Ventura County Police Department also confirmed that 46-year-old Berlin Jose Melgara, who tried to leave the scene of the crime, was detained and arrested for assaulting Misael. It remains unclear what Melgara's role was in the attack, and if he is still being held by the police. It is also still uncertain whether Melgara has kept legal representation for himself but the Ventura County Police Department confirmed that he had been taken in for questioning regarding the assault.
Misael's cause of death is yet to be determined. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office had scheduled an autopsy for Tuesday, July 26. Investigators are trying to contact additional witnesses and are seeking video footage of the incident that took place. They are asking for anyone with information to contact the Oxnard Police Department.
'Not ready for this type of goodbye,' writes family
A GoFundMe page has been set up for funeral expenses for the Misael by his family. The page, created by his father Guadalupe Sanchez, read, "It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of our beloved son, Misael Sanchez. My family is heartbroken and still in disbelief, as we expected a bright future for him. Misael was assaulted by multiple assailants on July 10, 2022, and left in critical condition." The post further read, "we were not ready for this type of goodbye. At this time, we are asking for your prayers, and if you can contribute financially, it will be greatly appreciated. The donations will help the family through these hard times."
'Still in shock', say friends
Several well wishers and people who knew the soccer player posted condolences on the fundraiser page. One wrote, "as I share this story with our boys who are involved with football and baseball. There eyes are filled with sadness.. May he RIP. May his family be given the strength and love through this difficult time." Another person who knew Misael personally wrote, "I am still in shock after hearing the devastating news today. Gone too soon. There was never a dull moment with Misa. From doing research together to our amusement park adventures. I hope you are resting easy up there. Long live Misa." As of now, the fundraiser has raised $26,839 USD of the $20,000 goal.