The Andes state news agency in Ecuador said Chucho's cause of death was unconfirmed, as different outlets reported conflicting reasons.
Benitez had just completed a $15 million (£9.77m) move to Qatari side El Jaish from Club America.
He previously represented Birmingham City in the Premier League in the 2009-10 season, scoring three times in 30 appearances. He had earned 58 caps for his national team and had been linked with a return to England before moving to Qatar earlier this month.
A statement on the El Jaish website read: “El Jaish mourns the death of our new Ecuadorean striker Christian Benitez, who passed away this morning.
“We give our sincerest condolences to the family of the player. He had only recently joined the club on a three-year contract from Club America in Mexico.
“Christian played for us for the first time yesterday, during the third round of the Sheikh Jassim Cup against Qatar Sports Club.
“He did not complain of any health problems so the sudden death of Benitez is a big shock for the team, staff and family.
“In his short time here he was known for his excellent character.”
While the cause of death was unclear, his father-in-law Kleber Chala said Benitez had been "hospitalised with stomach pain".
Fellow Ecuador international colleague Antonio Valencia paid tribute on Twitter.
“Brother why now. God is with you and your family,” the Manchester United winger Tweeted in Spanish, before posting pictures of his friend.
His former Birmingham City team-mate Craig Gardner, now of Sunderland, also paid tribute.
"Can't believe Christian Benitez aka chucho has died," he Tweeted. "Had the pleasure to play with him he was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family."
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