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Ecuadorian Olympic Surfing Hopeful Israel Barona Dies at 34 After Seizures in Hotel Room

Surfer and 2024 Paris Olympics hopeful Israel Barona was in El Salvador for a competition when he seized in his hotel room, ruling out foul play, leaving a grieving sister and fellow surfer, Dominic Barona, along a shocked surfing community.

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Overview

  • Israel Barona, an Ecuadorian surfer and hopeful for the 2024 Paris Olympics, died at the age of 34 in El Salvador, where he was competing in a surfing competition.
  • According to the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee and El Salvador's National Civil Police, Barona suffered seizures while he was in his hotel room, ruling out any foul play.
  • Barona started his surfing career at the age of 10 and represented Ecuador in several significant events, including the World Surfing Games and the Bolivarian Games.
  • Barona’s sister, Dominic Barona, is also a professional surfer and a 2020 Olympian; she posted a tribute to her brother on Instagram following his untimely death.
  • The global surfing community and Barona's fans have expressed their grief and condolences, honoring Barona’s contributions to the sport.