A referee in Bolivia has died from a heart attack after collapsing while officiating a league match played at high altitude.

Victor Hugo Hurtado, 31, was taking charge of Always Ready and Oriente Petrolero's Bolivian league game when he collpased in the 47th minute.

Always Ready doctor Eric Kosziner said, according to the BBC, that the referee had one heart attack on the field and another upon arriving at hospital.

WARNING – DISTRESSING FOOTAGE

A referee in Bolivia has died from a heart attack after collapsing while officiating a match

Victor Hugo Hurtado was 31 and was officiating a Bolivian league game at high altitude

#TRAGEDIA 📹



Muere árbitro en plena cancha



Se desplomó en el césped al minuto 50 de juego...



Víctor Hugo Hurtado tenía 32 años



Se cree que fue debido a un infarto



Ocurrió en Bolivia... pic.twitter.com/AaGTdy2XU8 — LUĮS ENRĮQUĘ ĄLFØNZØ (@LEAdeportes) May 19, 2019

Footage emerged on social media of the moment Hurtado toppled over backwards during the match, with players from both sides immediately rushing over and calling on treatment.

The match was played at Always Ready's Municipal Stadium, which has an altitude of 3,900 metres.

The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, wrote on Twitter: 'We regret the passing of referee Victor Hugo Hurtado.

The match was played at Always Ready's Municipal Stadium, which has very high altitude

The match was goalless when Hurtado collapsed and finished with Always Ready winning 5-0

'We send our condolences and solidarity to your family, friends and colleagues. Bolivian football is in mourning.'

The match was goalless when Hurtado collapsed and finished with Always Ready winning 5-0.