Professional wrestler El Hilo de Fishman has been arrested and faces a potential manslaughter charge after a move he executed during a match resulted in the death of a referee.
The incident occurred in Hidalgo, Mexico on Wednesday, October 7, when Fishman, 36, performed a preplanned piledriver on referee Gerardo German Pineda, known as El Buho. A piledriver is a pro wrestling move in which an individual turns someone upside down and slams them head-first into the mat.
Pineda, 75, went into the mat and never got back up, according to Cageside Seats. Reports from the event indicate that he was not immediately helped because fans and event workers thought he was feigning injury as part of the stunt.
When paramedics eventually arrived, the referee was pronounced dead at the scene.
Because of the potential dangers of the move, the piledriver has often been banned in WWE and other wrestling promotions.
Fishman is now in the custody of the Hidalgo State Attorney General’s Office, according to Spanish language wrestling outlet Super Luchas. His arrest opened a 48-hour window during which he must be presented to a judge for a hearing that will determine if he can be formally charged.
If charged and convicted, he could face five to 15 years in prison.
Mexican wrestling promotion El Patron Lucha Libre released a statement on Wednesday confirming the “unfortunate events.”
“Our company is attentive to the developing 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 statement read.
The statement continued, “The lawyer and legal representative of the company maintains contact with the family of Mr. Gerardo Germán Pineda, ‘El Búho’, and with his legal representatives, to handle the case in the best way and guarantee respect for all parties involved.”
The promotion added that with the legal process ongoing, it would not provide additional information that could “interfere with or prejudice the facts.”
“We ask the fans, media and members of the guild to act with prudence, discretion and respect, and avoid the spread of rumors or unconfirmed information, so as not to hinder the investigations and out of respect for all parties involved and their families,” it continued.
The statement concluded, “We deeply regret the loss of a life and express our solidarity with his family, friends and colleagues in the wrestling business.”
