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Mexican wrestling referee death and legal proceedings

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2026-10-14 02:11 UTC → 2026-10-14 21:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A professional lucha libre match in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, resulted in the death of 75-year-old referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as ‘El Búho’. The incident occurred during a ‘Deslealtades’ event at the 11 de Julio Sports Center during a bout between Hijo de Fishman and Máscara Sagrada NG. Pineda was reportedly struck by a maneuver—identified in some reports as a ‘martinete’ and in others as a ‘contralona’—after intervening when Fishman violated rules by removing his opponent's mask. Witnesses noted that spectators initially believed the attack was part of the scripted performance, which may have delayed medical attention. Pineda was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. Following the incident, authorities arrested the wrestler identified as José Ángel Nájera López (Hijo de Fishman) on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. Legal proceedings concluded when a reparatory agreement was reached with the victim's family. Under the terms of the settlement, Hijo de Fishman will pay approximately 586,000 pesos to Pineda's five children, a deal that required the unanimous consent of all five heirs. The promoter, El Patrón Espectáculos, confirmed through legal representatives that this agreement extinguished the criminal action against the wrestler, allowing him to avoid a criminal record and potential prison time. Following the agreement on October 9, Hijo de Fishman was released from prison. A necropsy has since determined that Pineda died from a traumatic brain injury, specifically resulting in cerebral edema and a subarachnoid hemorrhage. In statements regarding the incident, the wrestler denied any intention to cause harm, noting that while the risks of the sport are known, he did not anticipate a situation of this magnitude.

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