The wife and two children of Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo have been found dead in Venezuela, where approximately 1,500 individuals have died in devastating earthquakes that have struck the South American nation.
Amongst those who died are Trejo's spouse, Yanina Maranella, and their young offspring, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. The family were situated in Playa Grande when disaster hit, resulting in the collapse of their flat.
Frantic 74-hour search ends in tragedy
Following reports that his loved ones were missing, Trejo embarked on a frantic 74-hour search for them. In a deeply saddening turn of events, Venezuelan football club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira released an official statement confirming the tragic outcome.
The statement read: "Club Sport Maritimo La Guaira deeply mourns the loss suffered by Lucas Trejo's family; we ask for respect for his relatives and teammates. After a 74-hour search, they were found deceased."
Former teammate announces heartbreaking news
Former Venezuela international Edson Tortolero, who is a close companion of Trejo, used Instagram to announce the heartbreaking news. He stated: "We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo's family members have been found lifeless."
"We thank everyone for the support and ask for the most sincere respect for his family at this time. WE PRAY FOR ETERNAL LIFE FOR THEM."
Trejo's silence and family support
Trejo has not yet publicly addressed the loss of his family, though he posted a photograph of the four of them on his Instagram Stories without a caption. Reports in Argentine media indicated that Trejo's father and brother had journeyed to Venezuela to help him in his search for his missing relatives.
Widespread devastation from twin earthquakes
At least 69,000 individuals have been reported missing following the catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday (June 24). La Guaira, an area north of the capital, suffered the most severe damage.
Amongst those confirmed dead is Venezuelan footballer Yiimvert Berroteran, 18. The wife of Venezuelan former Major League Baseball player Gorkys Hernandez, Daisy, has also perished.
Other football families affected
Defender Héctor Bello, who represents second division side Marítimo de La Guaira, heartbreakingly lost his wife, Andrea, when their building collapsed during the catastrophe. Andrea died while protecting their one year old daughter, having used her own body to shield their baby girl.
