Sergeant Lidia Tovar Chilito, commander of the Altamira Volunteer Firefighters Corps, died after being struck by a motorcycle during a racing event in Huila, Colombia, according to reports from biobiochyl.cl.
The incident occurred during the 'Válida Departamental de Veloarena,' a motorcycle competition where Tovar Chilito was performing preventive safety duties.
Videos circulating on social media show the moment a competitor struck the officer with significant force. The accident happened while Tovar Chilito was attempting to provide aid to another competitor who had been injured in a separate crash.
Emergency responders treated the commander at the scene before rushing her to a medical center in Altamira. Due to the severity of her injuries, doctors transferred her to a more complex hospital in Garzón.
Medical staff were unable to save her, and she passed away during the transfer, the outlet reported.
A legacy of service
The Huila Motorcycle League, which organized the event, released a statement mourning the loss of the officer.
“Her life was an example of service, bravery, and selfless commitment to others,” the League said in a statement. “Her vocation for helping and protecting will always remain in everyone's memory as a legacy worthy of admiration.”
Local authorities and the firefighting community have expressed profound grief over the death of the veteran sergeant.