An American-Chilean beer influencer is among three people who died after trying to rescue a woman swept out to sea in Algarrobo, Chile. Benjamin “Ben” Robert Wood, 43, attempted to save 26-year-old lawyer Patricia del Pilar Bello Labe after a strong wave knocked her into the water on Monday night.
Wood’s father, Norman Ray Wood, 77, and his partner, María José Duarte Ureta, 47, also perished in the rescue effort. The woman’s partner, Felipe Hernández Bustos, was rescued by Navy personnel in a helicopter. Patricia Bello Labe also drowned.
Benjamin Wood, born in Connecticut, had lived in Chile for nearly 13 years. He was a food influencer and co-founded the burger chain El Honesto Mike. He had 37,400 Instagram followers and often shared food recipes and tips.
In one of his final Instagram posts, Wood reflected on his career, writing: “I’ve been working in beer and gastronomy here in Chile since 2013, when we opened a unique craft beer store. That shop sparked several other projects that helped shape the scene here in Chile.”
Police are investigating the incident. Tributes have poured in from followers, with one writing: “Sad news, great hero together with his father and people who accompanied him.” Another said: “You left trying to help people, which speaks to the kindness of your heart.”
