Spanish bullfighter gored to death

Victor Barrio was the first professional matador to die during a bullfight in Spain since 1985, when 21-year-old Jose Cubero Yiyo from France was fatally gored in Madrid.

In this May 16, 2011 file photo, Spanish bullfighter Victor Barrio performs during a bullfight of the San Isidro's fair at the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid. The matador has been fatally gored in Spain during a bullfight
TRT World and Agencies

In this May 16, 2011 file photo, Spanish bullfighter Victor Barrio performs during a bullfight of the San Isidro's fair at the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid. The matador has been fatally gored in Spain during a bullfight

A bullfighter in Spain was fatally gored on live television on Saturday. Victor Barrio, 29, died after a 1,166-pound bull flipped him and gored him in the thigh and chest.

AP

This framegrab taken from Castilla La Mancha TV shows matador Victor Barrio on the ground after being gored by a bull during a bullfight as the banderilleros distract the bull, in the Teruel bullring, east of Spain, Saturday July 9, 2016.

Barrio was the first professional matador to die during a bullfight in Spain since 1985, when 21-year-old Jose Cubero Yiyo from France was fatally gored in Madrid.

Bullfighting is a centuries-old Spanish tradition. The government has also declared this controversial show as part of its national cultural heritage.

Festivities in Teruel and Las Ventas were immediately suspended following Barrio's death. Hundreds of people turned up for a funeral mass on Monday. Prominent members of the bullfighting world were among those attending the Mass.

AP

This framegrab taken from Castilla La Mancha TV shows matador Victor Barrio being carried out of the bullring after being gored by a bull.

"My condolences to the family and colleagues of Victor Barrio, the deceased bullfighter this evening in Teruel. Rest in Peace," Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted.

His wife, Raquel Sanz, was at the ring when the goring happened in the central city of Teruel. In messages on her official Twitter account Sunday, Sanz thanked those who had expressed condolences and said, "My life has gone, I have no strength.'"

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