A routine bullfighting event in southwest France turned into a tragedy that stunned spectators and the entire bullfighting world.

Iván Fandiño, a 36-year-old Spanish matador known for taking on some of the most dangerous bulls in the sport, was fatally injured during a festival in Aire-sur-l’Adour.

During the fight, Fandiño lost his balance after becoming tangled in his cape. In that split second, the massive bull charged and struck him, goring him in the torso and causing severe internal injuries.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as he was quickly carried out of the arena. Despite being conscious at first, he was bleeding heavily. Some reported his final words as he was rushed away: “Hurry up… I’m dying.” He later suffered a fatal heart attack on the way to hospital.

Fellow matadors and spectators were left in shock. Juan del Álamo, who later faced the bull, said he could not believe how quickly everything happened, describing the moment as sudden and devastating.

Fandiño was no stranger to danger. In previous years, he had already survived multiple serious incidents in the ring — including being knocked unconscious in France and thrown into the air during a fight in Spain. Still, he continued performing in some of the most dangerous events in bullfighting.

His death marked a historic moment, becoming the first matador to die in France in nearly a century, with the last recorded case dating back to 1921.

Tributes poured in across Spain, including from King Felipe VI, who honored him as a major figure in bullfighting, and then-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

His passing also came shortly after another high-profile bullfighting tragedy, highlighting once again the ongoing controversy surrounding the tradition itself.

Bullfighting remains legal in parts of France and Spain, but continues to face strong criticism from animal rights groups calling for an end to the practice.

Iván Fandiño’s final moments remain one of the most talked-about tragedies in modern bullfighting history — a reminder of just how quickly everything can change inside the arena.