Honduras football star Walter Martinez dead at 37

Honduras football star Walter Martinez has died at the age of 37, FIFA World Cup announced on its official Twitter account. "Honduras is in mourning for one of the country's 2010 World Cup heroes," it said in a statement. Martinez, who helped National Team of Honduras qualify for the global finals for just the second time, has reportedly died of a heart attack on Aug 11.

Honduras is in mourning for one of the country's 2010 #WorldCup heroes. Walter Martinez, who helped @FenafuthOrg qualify for the global finals for just the second time, has died at the age of just 37. #RIP pic.twitter.com/7NJljo20eM

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 13, 2019

The Honduran FA confirmed his passing in a tweet which read: "With sadness that overwhelms the family of Honduran football, we regret the death of Walter Julian Martinez. Solidarity and a balm of diving peace for your family and friends. RIP."

Martinez is believed to have suffered the heart attack while at the home of a friend and fellow footballer Jose Chepo Fernandez in New York.

Nicknamed Pery, Martínez started his professional career at Victoria and made his debut on 25 November 2000 against Deportes Savio. He also played for Vida in La Ceiba and Marathón in San Pedro Sula.

On January 27, 2007, Diario Deportivo Diez confirmed that he would play for Beijing Guoan of China, where he would play four seasons over two separate spells. In July 2010 he was presented there for his second stint.

In January 2011, Martínez became the 11th Honduran footballer in the Spanish league after joining Alavés.

After his contract with Chongqing ended, Martínez had a trial with Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids in January 2013 and D.C. United in February 2013. On March  15, 2013, Martínez signed with the San Jose Earthquakes.