The Foreign Ministry regrettably reported Saturday that Honduran Ambassador to Costa Rica Marco Antonio Hepburn died from a heart attack Friday.

“It is a painful loss mourned by Central American diplomats. Costa Rica will always recognize the notable contribution of Ambassador Hepburn in strengthening relations between our countries,” said Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgar Ugalde, who attended Hepburn's funeral in Honduras Saturday, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

Hepburn was on his way to an Independence Day celebration Friday when he suffered a heart attack. He was taken to San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José, where he died at 4:40 p.m.

On Saturday, his body was flown by the Honduran government back to that country.

Hepburn had served as ambassador for a little longer than one year. During his career, he also worked as general manager of the Honduran National Port Company and auditor of the country's Comptroller General. He also acted as financial director of the World Health Organization in Washington D.C., the statement said.

-Tico Times