Tragic Loss for Soccer Star Lucas Trejo in Venezuela Earthquakes
Lucas Trejo, a well-known Argentine soccer player, faced a life-altering tragedy when his family was confirmed dead after a double earthquake struck Venezuela’s northern coast. The 38-year-old, who plays as a center back for Sport Maritimo de La Guaira, was in Caracas with his team when the earthquakes hit, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The disaster led to the collapse of an apartment building in Playa Grande, La Guaira, where Trejo’s wife and two children were located. A frantic 74-hour search ensued to find Trejo’s family within the rubble. Rescuers ultimately discovered the bodies of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa.
Trejo took to Instagram early in the search, expressing uncertainty and appealing for help. ‘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,’ he wrote.
His father and brother traveled from Argentina to join local firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers in the search efforts. The earthquakes left massive destruction, with rescue operations continuing in the affected areas.
‘Today my heart breaks into a thousand pieces,’ said Edson Tortolero, a fellow Argentine footballer and close friend of Trejo. ‘There are no words that can ease so much pain. I ask God to give Lucas strength to endure this unimaginable loss.’
Club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira released a statement confirming the tragic deaths. ‘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.’
The earthquakes that ravaged Venezuela’s northern coast resulted in numerous casualties, including Trejo’s family. Emergency crews remain engaged in recovery operations in the region, hoping to bring aid and relief to those affected by the disaster.