Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 8:29 am CST.
Sagitun GIRLZ’s held a vigil on Monday, June 9, 2025, in memory of teammate Sidney Ruíz Montenegro and her brother Juan David. Both died in a traffic accident on Sunday. – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: On Monday evening, the Sagitun GIRLZ, reigning champions of the Premier Women’s League of Belize, held a vigil at the CR Sports Synthetic Field in Independence to honour the lives of Sidney Alejandra Ruíz Montenegro, 21, and her brother Juan David Ruíz Montenegro, 20. The siblings tragically lost their lives in a traffic accident on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway on Sunday while returning home from a day of swimming at the Bladen River.
Typically, Monday nights at the CR Sports Synthetic Field are reserved for the team’s unwinding sessions, but this time, teammates, friends, and family came together to share memories, tributes, and stories celebrating Sidney and David. Pastor Franklin Arita of Bella Vista delivered a moving sermon. Former teammates from Rumberas FC and Santa Cruz FC joined the vigil, as did members of the Montenegro family.
Originally from Costa Rica, Sidney had become a vital figure in Belizean women’s football. She began her career with Rumberas FC in the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL), and after the team dissolved in 2023, she and several teammates joined Sagitun GIRLZ to form a united Midsouth squad. The former Rumberas players, who once competed out of Cowpen Village, quickly integrated into their new team, culminating in a historic championship win on May 31. That triumph earned them a coveted spot in the upcoming Central American Interclubs Championship in July—a tournament Sidney had been eagerly preparing for.
Sidney, who played as Sagitun GIRLZ’s left winger, was remembered for her energy, dedication, and camaraderie.
Sagitun GIRLZ’s Sidney Ruíz Montenegro – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
Sagitun GIRLZ manager Adrián González said the news of her passing left them reeling.
“It was a tremendously hard blow. That news left us stunned,” he expressed, echoing the deep grief felt by the team.
“With all our love, we embrace all you did for us in the short time you were here! We love you eternally Sid!” Sagitun GIRLZ wrote on social media.
“This pain. This void. We still can’t come to terms with. All our plans, our upcoming trips, all of which will never be. You departed and left only wonderful memories. Sid girl, you touched us all. Rest in peace, Tica!”
Sidney’s younger brother David, a devoted supporter of his sister’s football journey, was a familiar and encouraging presence at her matches. Just a day prior to the accident, he had graduated from Independence High School, a moment that marked the beginning of what promised to be a bright future.
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) also mourned the loss of Sidney and David, acknowledging the deep void left in the national football community and beyond.
Monday night’s vigil reflected the strength, love, and unity that defines the Sagitun GIRLZ family—a team now carrying forward the legacy of a beloved teammate and her devoted brother.
Sidney Ruíz’s jersey and photo at the vigil held in Independence on Monday, June 9, 2025 – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
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The post Sagitun GIRLZ hold vigil honouring teammate Sidney Ruíz and brother David appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 8:29 am CST. Sagitun GIRLZ’s held a vigil on Monday, June 9, 2025, in memory of teammate Sidney Ruíz Montenegro and
The post Sagitun GIRLZ hold vigil honouring teammate Sidney Ruíz and brother David appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
