46-godišnjak je poginuo u Canjuelasu tijekom slavlja pobjede reprezentacije protiv Egipta

A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in Cañuelas, a city located in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina, during celebrations marking the national football team's victory over Egypt in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The event resulted in the death of Franco Daniel Depauli, a 46-year-old man who was struck by a stone thrown during a chaotic crowd disturbance. His last words before the fatal blow were captured in a video shared widely online, where he said, “Nos vemos el sábado, te amo,” meaning “See you on Saturday, I love you.” This poignant message, directed to a friend, has since become one of the most emotional aspects of the story.

The incident unfolded in the intersection of streets Libertad and 25 de Mayo, where a group of fans had gathered to celebrate the win. As tensions escalated, a physical altercation broke out among the spectators. According to reports from local media, the situation turned violent when a stone was thrown, striking Depauli directly on the head. He fell unconscious immediately and was rushed to the nearby Hospital Ángel Marzetti by his family. Despite immediate medical intervention, including attempts at resuscitation lasting fifty minutes, Depauli did not survive. Dr. Hernán Carpio, the hospital’s director, confirmed that all necessary protocols were followed but that the outcome was unavoidable.

Franco Depauli was identified as a worker at a ceramic factory and had previously participated in organizing children's festivals in Cañuelas. Known in the neighborhood for his lively personality, he was described by neighbors as a beloved figure who often performed dance moves inspired by Michael Jackson during public celebrations. His presence at the event was part of the community's collective joy, which was abruptly interrupted by the violence.

The investigation into the incident led to the identification of a suspect through security camera footage. A 20-year-old named Iván Nahuel Lebrero was detained and is suspected of having thrown the stone that caused Depauli’s death. Lebrero has prior criminal records involving theft, and the case has been classified as homicide. Local authorities have stated that the young man will face legal consequences for his actions.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the incident sparked broader discussions about public safety and the management of large gatherings. Similar disturbances were reported in other cities, including Buenos Aires and Cordoba, where police intervened to control crowds. In Buenos Aires, officers faced injuries from projectiles and had to detain multiple individuals involved in disorderly conduct. These incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining order during high-emotion events, even as they bring communities together in celebration.

The video capturing Depauli’s final moments has circulated extensively on social media, offering a glimpse into the personal side of a public tragedy. In the clip, he is seen wearing an Argentine flag draped over his shoulders, speaking passionately about the match and expressing hope throughout the game. His words, “Nunca perdimos la fe,” or “We never lost our faith,” resonate deeply with many who watched the video, serving as both a tribute and a reminder of the fragility of life.

In the wake of the incident, there has been a call for increased awareness and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Community leaders and local officials have expressed their condolences to Depauli’s family and emphasized the need for better coordination between organizers and law enforcement to ensure safe environments for celebrations. While the focus remains on mourning the loss of a valued member of the community, the incident also serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in moments of extreme excitement and unity.