‘I am very sorry for this death and I join the pain that overwhelms her family. The 22-year-old was training for an upcoming qualifying event in El Tunco. El Salvador surfing star Katherine Diaz, who was getting ready to make her Olympic debut in Tokyo this summer, tragically passed away after being struck by lightning during a training session. He added: ‘I just found out about the death of Salvadoran surfer Katherine Díaz. Olympic surfing hopeful dies at 22 after being struck by lightning The 22-year-old Olympic hopeful was surfing at El Tunco Beach, near her home in El Salvador, when she was struck by lightning. Olympic surfing hopeful killed by lightning strike during training session. President of the Salvadoran Sports Institute, Yamil Bukele also sent his condolences. ‘She excelled at the int’l competition level, representing her country with pride at both the World Surfing Games and ISA World Jr Surfing Championship.’ Tributes came from across the globe as the surfing world learned of her passing. The International Surfing Association, the sport’s governing body, sent its ‘heartfelt condolences’ and tweeted: ‘Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport. EL TUNCO BEACH, El Salvador / CNN A 22-year-old Olympic surfing hopeful died after being struck by lightning while training for an upcoming competition, the country’s National Institute for. Last year, a Belgian tourist died after being struck in Bali. While the chances of being struck by lightning are proverbially rare, it does happen. Tributes came from across the globe as the surfing world learned of her death. Brazilian Surfer Killed in Lightning Strike. The international surfing community was shocked this. Teen dies days after being struck by lightning on Marco Island. It is with a heavy heart that the ISA has learned about the passing of El Salvador’s Katherine Diaz. Top Salvadorian Surfer & Olympic Hopeful Katherine Diaz Dies After Struck by Lightning. PHOTOS: Surfer near Sebastian Inlet finds himself swimming with sharks. The young athlete had competed in international surfing events and was hoping to make the team for the Tokyo Games, where surfing is included for the first time.