A worker at Malaga’s iconic bullring has died after being gored by a bull on Good Friday.
The victim, Ricardo Ortiz, a former matador from Malaga, was fatally injured while working in the holding pens at the Plaza de toros de La Malagueta.
The incident occurred at around 8pm as Ortiz was carrying out routine handling work in the corrales, where bulls are kept ahead of fights.
The animals were being prepared for Saturday’s Corrida Picassiana, one of the standout events of Malaga’s Semana Santa calendar.
According to early reports, one of the bulls charged and delivered a severe goring, causing fatal injuries.
The Policía Nacional has confirmed the death and indicated that the incident appears to be a workplace accident.
However, the exact circumstances remain under investigation. No bullfight was taking place at the time of the killing.
Ortiz had previously worked as a matador and was part of the team managing livestock at the arena for the company Lances de Futuro.
In a statement, the firm expressed its ‘deep sorrow’ at his death, describing him as ‘a much-loved and respected figure in the bullfighting world’.
Tributes have also been paid by promoter Jose María Garzon and others within Malaga’s taurine community.
The incident has cast a shadow over preparations for the Corrida Picassiana, scheduled for Holy Saturday at La Malagueta.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
