El Hijo de Fishman arrested after referee dies following piledriver in Mineral de la Reforma

El Hijo de Fishman was detained in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, on Wednesday, October 7, after referee Gerardo Germán Pineda, known as “El Búho,” died following a piledriver delivered during an El Patron Espectaculos wrestling match.

The incident occurred during the show’s main event, when El Hijo de Fishman faced Mascara Sagrada; after the move was applied to the match official the contest was halted and paramedics later reported that Pineda had no vital signs.

Reports identify the move as a double underhook piledriver delivered to referee Gerardo Germán Pineda (aka El Búho), and say the referee did not get up after the manoeuvre, prompting attendants to stop the match.

El Hijo de Fishman, 36, is reported to have executed what sources also described as a Package Piledriver; the referee, Gerardo Germán Pineda, was 75 years old.

Authorities arrested El Hijo at the event venue after paramedics determined Pineda had no vital signs, and police action followed at the show site.

Prosecutors are reported to be preparing manslaughter charges against the wrestler; he could face an imprisonment sentence of 5 to 15 years if convicted.

The promotion issued a public statement that read in full: “TO THE FANS, MEDIA, MEMBERS OF THE GUILD, AND GENERAL PUBLIC: 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.” The organisers said they had arranged legal assistance for El Hijo and that they were maintaining contact with the late Gerardo Germán Pineda, “El Búho,” and with their legal representatives.

A verdict in the case is reported to be expected within the next 48 hours.