Tragic Earthquake Claims Family of Argentine Soccer Player

The 74-hour mission to find the family of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo concluded with a grim discovery. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of his wife and two children from the debris of their apartment building. This building collapsed after twin earthquakes shook Venezuela’s northern coast last Wednesday.

Trejo, aged 38 and a center back for Sport Maritimo de La Guaira in Venezuela, was in Caracas for a match when the earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, hit. Upon learning that his family’s home in Playa Grande, La Guaira had collapsed, he rushed to the area to join the search efforts.

Earlier, Trejo had expressed hope on Instagram, saying, “Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don’t know anything about my family. Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren’t there.”

Trejo’s father and brother traveled from Argentina to help alongside firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers in the challenging search through the rubble. The earthquakes caused widespread destruction along the coast; recovery efforts are ongoing.

The search ended with the recovery of the bodies of Yanina Maranella, Trejo’s wife, and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa. The tragic event rallied support from the soccer community across South America.

Edson Tortolero, a fellow Argentine footballer and friend of Trejo, expressed his sorrow: “Today my heart breaks into a thousand pieces. There are no words that can ease so much pain. I ask God to give Lucas strength to endure this unimaginable loss.”

Sport Maritimo de La Guaira confirmed the deaths, stating, “We join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo for the passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”

Trejo’s family became part of the growing list of casualties from the disaster that impacted vast areas of Venezuela’s northern coast. Efforts to find more survivors continue as emergency personnel work tirelessly in the region.