El Hijo De Fishman Arrested After Referee Passes Away Following Piledriver

Luchador El Hijo de Fishman has been arrested following a professional wrestling event at which referee El Buho (Gerardo German Pineda) died.

El Hijo de Fishman faced Mascara Sagrada in the main event of El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre's event in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico on Wednesday, October 7. The match was officiated by El Buho and the match saw Fishman be physically and verbally aggressive to the referee, which included Fishman hitting El Buho with a bodyslam. Later in the match, Fishman delivered a double underhook piledriver to El Buho but the referee did not move after the manoeuvre.

The initial belief within the building was that El Buho was selling, with Mexican content creator Steph Heredia noting on Instagram and she and people sat with her believed it was all just a part of the match. The match was then waved off, with Fishman taking photos with fans before it became clear that the situation was serious, at which point Fishman returned to the ring and venue staff asked fans to leave the building.

Luchablog has noted that El Buho was down for minutes before anyone checked on the referee. It is a requirement for medical personnel and an ambulance to be present for wrestling events in Hidalgo, but that was reportedly not the case for the El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre show. When paramedics arrived, they confirmed that El Buho had passed away. Heredia noted that it took so long for an ambulance to arrive that she was already in her car by the time it arrived at the building.

Following the incident, local police arrested El Hijo de Fishman and he faces manslaughter charges, which would include a sentence of between five and 15 years in prison. A court hearing is set to take place in the next 48 hours to determine if formal charges will be filed against Fishman or he will be released.

El Patrón Espectáculos Lucha Libre have issued the following statement about El Buho's passing (translated):

"Given the regrettable events that occurred during the early hours of this Wednesday, October 7, in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, during a Lucha Libre event in which independent wrestler Hijo de Fishman and referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, 'El Búho,' participated, who unfortunately lost his life, El Patrón Espectáculos informs:

"Our company is attentive to the development of the situation and has arranged accompaniment and legal assistance for Hijo de Fishman, so that the corresponding process is carried out in accordance with the law and before the competent authorities.

"The lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo Germán Pineda, 'El Búho,' and with their legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.

"The legal process continues, so, in respect for the authorities and due process, this company will refrain from issuing additional information that could interfere with or prejudge the facts.

"We ask the fans, media, and members of the guild to act with prudence, discretion, and respect, and to avoid the dissemination of rumors or unconfirmed information, so as not to hinder the investigations and out of respect for all parties involved and their families.

"We deeply regret the loss of a life and express our solidarity to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Lucha Libre guild."