Four people have died after being swept out to sea during a rescue attempt in Algarrobo, Chile. The incident occurred around 7pm on Monday, March 9, when Patricia del Pilar Bello Labe, a 26-year-old lawyer and parliamentary adviser, was walking along the coastline and was carried away by a large wave.
Her partner, Felipe Hernández Bustos, rushed into the water to save her, sparking a chain of rescue attempts. Three others entered the water to help but were also pulled out to sea. Only Felipe survived, rescued by Navy personnel in a helicopter.
Among the victims was Benjamin Robert “Ben” Wood, a 43-year-old American influencer and co-founder of the burger chain El Honesto Mike. Born in Connecticut, he had lived in Chile for nearly 13 years and was a prominent figure in the local gastronomy scene, often sharing recipes and tips on social media.
The other victims were Ben's father, Norman Ray Wood, 77, who was visiting Chile, and María José Duarte Ureta, 47, Ben's partner and head of sales at the brewpub Cervecería Tropera. Her daughter described her as “an incredible woman, with an unbreakable will and so much love to give”.
Police are investigating the incident, and authorities believe all four victims died from drowning. A high-wave warning had been in effect in the area over the weekend.
