Last week we reported that Mario Torruco died after collapsing during Event 1 of the iF3 Masters World Championships in Aruba.
Following our reporting, the iF3, Aruba F3 and Mexico F3 released statements on Instagram regarding the situation. All three organizations turned off comments to their posts.
Those statements (which you can read below) appear to contradict first-hand accounts we received while speaking with athletes who were competing.
Additionally, we have since obtained a statement written by Marten Doede van Kammen, one of the competitors in Torruco’s division, who was with Torruco until the ambulance arrived. You can read his statement below:
Statement to the iF3 / International Functional Fitness Federation
From a competitor in the Men’s 30-34 division – iF3 Masters World Championships Aruba 2026
Dear iF3 and F3 Aruba organisation,
I was one of the athletes who competed at the Masters World Championships in Aruba in the 30-34 age category. With this statement I want to share my experience of the first event on Friday 23 October 2026. The purpose is not to assign blame, but to describe as objectively and factually as possible what I witnessed, the concerns this has raised for me, and the questions I would like answered. I believe the iF3 has the best intentions when it comes to athlete safety and that important steps have already been taken in recent years regarding standards, equipment, judging and programming. At the same time, what I observed during and immediately after this event was not sufficient.
The workout consisted of a 2 km run, 400 m farmers carry and 2 km back, on an open, hot and largely exposed coastal course. At the start of our heat my watch showed approximately 34 °C. An ambulance had already left earlier that morning. During the briefing the route was explained, but in practice the course marking was limited and there were very few people from the organisation on the course who had a clear view of the athletes or could provide immediate assistance.
On the return leg, roughly 400–500 metres from the finish, we saw an athlete (who later turned out to be Mario Torruco) deviate completely from the route. He repeatedly collapsed, got back up and eventually fell in the sand. At that point he was no longer properly conscious, did not respond, had rolled-back eyes and was shaking. A Norwegian athlete continued running to get help. I stayed with him, later joined by Swedish athletes. We tried to provide shade and monitor his condition. I am trained as a first aider with experience in first aid and resuscitation and recognised clear signs of severe heat-related illness and declining consciousness.
A buggy arrived (it was not clear whether it belonged to the organisation). The people in it started pouring water over him but took no further action to transport him. On our initiative he was placed in the buggy and driven to the finish. Upon arrival at the finish he was still lying in full sun, outside the cooling / first-aid trailer. There was no active cooling of the head, wrists or ankles, and he was not immediately taken inside. Only after I insisted was he brought into the trailer. There he was placed on the floor instead of on the available stretcher. Water was offered to him while his consciousness was strongly fluctuating, creating a risk of choking. I supported him in a seated position to keep his airway clear.
Inside the trailer I asked about monitoring (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure), supplemental oxygen, cooling and possibly an IV. The medical staff present did not appear immediately prepared for this. At one point I measured his saturation at around 80% and his heart rate fluctuating sharply (roughly between 80 and 180). When I asked when the ambulance would arrive, I was told it still had to be called. In my estimation it took at least 40 minutes for the ambulance to arrive. During that time a Dutch woman joined us and helped with, among other things, placing an IV. I ultimately assisted with transferring Mario into the ambulance.
What concerns me most:
The limited presence and visibility of organisational / medical staff on the course.
The absence of immediate, adequate first aid and cooling at the location of the incident and upon arrival at the finish.
The impression that the medical staff present were not well prepared for a serious heat-related emergency.
The delay in alerting and the arrival of the ambulance.
That athletes who had just completed a demanding workout had to play the most active role in the initial response.
This could have happened to any athlete. I ask the iF3 and the local organisation for transparency on:
Exactly what medical coverage was planned and present (number of personnel, qualifications, equipment, heat-related protocols).
Why it took so long before the ambulance was called and arrived.
What evaluation is taking place and what concrete improvements will be implemented for future events, especially on open, hot courses.
I wish no one any harm and respect the efforts that were made. At the same time, for the sport, the athletes and the next of kin, it is necessary that accountability is taken and lessons are learned. I am willing to provide further clarification on my statement.
Kind regards,
Marten Doede van Kammen
Competitor, iF3 Masters World Championships Aruba 2026, Men’s 30-34
NetherlandsSupported by: Kim Lund, Erik Jernberg, Ulises Bocanegra, Jeffrey Dirks, Simon Hestad and Pascal Sibbald
Official Statements by iF3, Aruba F3 & Mexico F3
Below are the official statements posted by the three organizations on Instagram last Friday. The comments were turned off on all of the posts.
iF3:
Aruba F3:
Mexico F3:
Translated into English:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
México Funcional Fitness Federación (MF3)
With deep pain and sadness, we mourn the passing of our Mexican athlete Mario Lorenzo Torruco Juárez, which occurred following the events registered during the IF3 Masters Worlds Championship 2026, held in Aruba.
During his participation in the competition, Mario suffered a collapse and received initial medical attention at the event zone. Afterward, he was transferred to the hospital, where he received specialized care. After showing a favorable evolution, he left the hospital accompanied by his family. Regrettably, days later he required a new hospital admission, his health condition complicated, and he ultimately lost his life.
Since we became aware of what happened, we participated in support efforts and promptly notified the Mexican authorities to facilitate the corresponding consular accompaniment. We thank the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) for its support in coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Embassy of Mexico in Venezuela, concurrent to Aruba, to provide the corresponding accompaniment and consular assistance.
In the face of this painful loss, we call on the sporting community to act with sensitivity, respect, and responsibility, avoiding speculation about the circumstances of the death, the causes of which must be determined by the medical and competent authorities.
We express our most sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire Functional Fitness community.
No competition or sporting achievement should be marred by a tragedy of this nature. Today is a time to accompany, respect, and remain united.
México Funcional Fitness Federación (MF3)
