Gonzalo Alfaro's voice brought relief to his family and to the Universidad de Chile community. The 33-year-old fan, who suffered a severe cranial trauma after falling from a stand at the Libertadores de América stadium during the match against Independiente in the Copa Sudamericana, sent a voice message in which he stated that he is "recovering very well" and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
"I feel very motivated to keep moving forward and to put even more effort into life than before," said the young man, who remains hospitalized in an Avellaneda hospital after having gone through critical days in intensive care.
The accident occurred on August 20 amid incidents between local and visiting fans that led to the cancellation of the match. Alfaro, who was attending with a friend, fell from several meters (several feet) high in the midst of the turmoil and was urgently transferred to Fiorito Hospital, where he had to undergo surgery. During the first days, his condition was serious, with neurological risk and assisted breathing.
As the week went by, medical reports confirmed a favorable recovery. On Tuesday, his family released the audio in which the supporter thanked people for their expressions of affection from both Chile and Argentina: "Thank you for the prayers, for keeping me in your thoughts. To everyone who has taken the time to ask how I am. I'm fine now, I'm recovering very well," he said, hopeful to soon reunite with his daughters and his parents.
Meanwhile, as doctors conduct tests to determine his discharge and a possible return to Chile, the case has reignited the debate about stadium safety. Alfaro's fall occurred in a context of violence that included fights in the stands and arrests, which put the organization of the match, ticket sales, and police control under scrutiny.
Independiente, meanwhile, reported that it has already identified and expelled several members involved in the incidents, assuring that it will implement a "zero tolerance" policy toward violent episodes. In addition, the club is cooperating with the ongoing judicial investigation.
Universidad de Chile expressed solidarity with its fan and support for the family. Meanwhile, supporters of both teams have launched support campaigns on social media and issued joint statements condemning the violence.
