The last adventure of the Chilean motorcyclist who died in Bolivia after being struck by lightning

“An accomplished adventurer. » This is how he is described by those close to him Sebastián Pizarro Palacios the Chilean motorcyclist who died in Bolivia after being struck by lightning in the middle of an electrical storm.

Pizarro, 40 years old and born in Curicó, in the Maule region, shared his life between the office, in his work as a commercial engineer, and the road, since a significant part of his time was dedicated to traveling around Chile and the world on your motorcycle. In 2014, he came to Alaska on a motorcycle.

Jaime Pizarro , Sebastián’s brother, told LUN that his brother’s latest adventure began on January 4, when the professional took his motorcycle and left for Argentina. He did it alone, but along the way he met some trans-Andean motorcyclist friends.

Accustomed to traveling alone, he said goodbye to his companions and continued without company the journey to the north of this country towards Bolivia , which was his real destination on this trip. The fact is that, although I had already visited the highlands, this time I wanted to see the Salar de Uyuni, where I had not been.

In the Potosí region, he stayed in an inn. He told the owner of the place the plans he had for his adventure. So, on Monday the 8th, he packed his things and left for his destination.

These would be the last kilometers that Sebastián would travel on his motorbike. Early Tuesday morning, after a series of messages, Jaime received the harsh news – from the police in the town of Colcha K – that his brother had died in an incident during a thunderstorm.

According to the police report, on Monday around 4:30 p.m., Sebastián Pizarro was struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle, 15 kilometers from the Avaroa border post, which connects Bolivia to Chile via the Ollagüe border post.

“In the report, it is presumed that the victim was driving towards Avaroa, while lightning allegedly struck him due to the strong electrical storms and strong wind that occurred in the afternoon in the said area,” Somos Uyuni media reported, according to the aforementioned national morning newspaper.

“He always went out with friends, and if his friends weren’t there, he went out alone, that was his escape route. It’s like playing rugby. “Those were his two great passions in life,” his brother said.

Sebastián’s death was mourned on social media by the National Rugby Sports Federation and by another community linked to this sport.

“40 years old, Curican, commercial engineer, former president of Maule Rugby, former national team, captain and founder of the Gallos Rugby Club (master). It is never pleasant to announce such news, especially from a man so loved, respected and appreciated in Chilean rugby. We support his family, friends, close friends and teammates at this sensitive moment.” we read on the Federation’s Instagram.

For his part, @rubgbychile.cl wrote: “We inform the community that yesterday afternoon, Monday, the death of Sebastián Pizarro Palacios, leader and player of the Maule region, was reported following a accident due to weather conditions. Bolivia. Sebastián, member of Old Gergel, Gallos, Stade Français and former president of Maule Rugby and former national team, passionate about rugby, who worked hard on the development of the oval maulina. Sebastián was on a motorcycle trip to Uyuni, Bolivia. We join in the condolences and send a big hug to his family and friends.

Meanwhile, since Chancellery They reported in a statement that through the Consulate General of Chile in La Paz there was “provide consular assistance and advice to the family of the deceased compatriot. »

In addition, they emphasize, “they are in contact with the authorities of the Bolivian Chancellery and the Prosecutor’s Office, who have granted the facilities to carry out the investigation. repatriation as quickly as possible.