1 of 1
Story summary
- Javier Ortega, an Ecuadorian football referee, was shot dead during a match in Pasaje, El Oro.
- Multiple gunmen stormed the pitch and fired at Ortega before players and fans.
- Emergency services arrived quickly, but Ortega died at the scene.
- The match was abandoned and the area closed for investigations.
- Authorities treat the incident as a targeted hit as Ecuador faces rising violence and a 2025 record homicide rate.
