The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela have claimed the lives of family members of two professional footballers, among at least 1,450 fatalities reported so far. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes hit last Wednesday, devastating the coastal city of La Guaira and surrounding areas.
Footballers' Families Among Victims
Lucas Trejo, an Argentinian footballer playing for Club Sport Marítimo of La Guaira, lost his wife Yanina and their two children, Aaron and Ainhoa. Trejo was at a training camp in Caracas when the earthquakes struck. He returned to La Guaira immediately and searched through rubble for three days before rescue workers recovered the bodies of his family, according to his brother-in-law Ricardo Ardiles, who said absolutely nothing
remained of Trejo's home.
Heroic Sacrifice Saves Infant
Héctor Bello, another local player, lost his partner Andrea, who died shielding their infant daughter Alana when their home collapsed. Local media reported that rescuers later found the child alive. Alana is in stable condition alongside her aunt. Bello, who was away from home when the earthquake struck, paid tribute to Andrea on Instagram: You gave your own life for our daughter … you were a brave woman who never abandoned her, even as you took your last breaths.
Youth Players Also Killed
Venezuelan football officials confirmed that youth players Victor Palacios and Razan Sijaa also died in the disaster. Palacios played for Club Sport San Augustín's academy, while Sijaa, who played for Caracas Fútbol Club, died with his family at their La Guaira home.
Rescue Efforts and Outlook
The 72-hour window for finding survivors passed on Saturday, according to Sebastian Eugster, leader of the Swiss rescue team. The US Geological Survey has predicted that deaths could reach 10,000. The earthquake was the most powerful in Venezuela since 1900, according to reports.
