A soccer player who was injured in a brawl that broke out in a match at Oxnard High School died on July 25, police said.
Police reported that Misael Sanchez, 29, passed away more than two weeks after an on-field brawl broke out over a referee’s call at around 11 a.m. during an adult soccer match on July 10, involving both players and spectators.
When the police arrived, they found Sanchez lying on the field. According to a statement made public by the Oxnard Police Department, he was unresponsive and not breathing.
“Officers spoke to witnesses and learned the fight was between two adult soccer teams,” the statement read. “The fight occurred when the two teams disagreed with a referee’s decision. Sanchez was on the field playing soccer for one of the two teams when the fight broke out. During the fight, Sanchez was assaulted by multiple assailants.”
The Ventura County Police Department has confirmed that at least one person, 46-year-old Berlin Jose Melgara who tried to flee the scene of the fight, was detained and arrested for assaulting Sanchez. Investigators are currently looking for additional witnesses and video of the incident that occurred.
The Ventura County Police Department stated that Melgara had been taken in for interrogation regarding the assault, but it is unknown if he played any part in it, if he is still being held by the authorities, or if he has legal counsel.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office scheduled an autopsy Tuesday to determine the exact cause of his death.
On a GoFundMe page set up in Sanchez’s honor, his family said, “We were not ready for this type of goodbye. At this time, we are asking for your prayers.”
The Oxnard Police Department arrested a 46-year-old man allegedly connected to the deadly brawl.
The investigation into the attack is still ongoing and police are still looking for others who may have been involved.
