Venezuela's football community is reeling after a devastating twin earthquake struck the country last week, claiming over 1,719 lives and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The catastrophic event has been particularly brutal for families, with loved ones of two professional footballers tragically among those who have lost their lives.
Lucas Trejo, an Argentinian footballer signed to Club Sport Marítimo of La Guaira, had been training in Caracas when the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck on Wednesday. Rushing back to his family's home in La Guaira – one of the worst-affected areas – he was met with a heartbreaking reality: his home lay in ruins. In an unimaginable tragedy, Trejo lost his wife, Yanina, and their two children, Aaron and Ainhoa, after rescue workers spent three days searching through the rubble.
Another local player, Héctor Bello, has also been left to grapple with an immense loss. His wife, Andrea, gave her life while shielding their infant daughter, Alana, as their home collapsed around them. Bello, who was away from home at the time of the earthquake, confirmed that Alana was eventually found by rescuers and is now in a stable condition alongside her aunt.
The loss extends beyond professional footballers' families, with the death toll also claiming two young players: Victor Palacios, an academy player for Club Sport San Augustín, and Razan Sijaa, who played for Caracas Fútbol Club. Tragically, Sijaa lost his life along with his family at their home in La Guaira.
The 72-hour window considered critical for finding survivors came to a close on Saturday, according to Sebastian Eugster, leader of the Swiss rescue team. The US Geological Survey has warned that the death toll could potentially reach 10,000, underscoring the enormity of this natural disaster – which is the most powerful to strike Venezuela since 1900.