A Community in Mourning
A powerful 7.2‑magnitude tremor followed by a 7.5‑magnitude shock rattled Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving at least 1,430 people dead and tens of thousands unaccounted for.
Among the victims was the family of Lucas Trejo, the 38‑year‑old Argentine midfielder who signed for Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira earlier this year. After a frantic 74‑hour search, rescuers confirmed that his wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, had perished.
Club officials released a statement expressing deep sorrow, saying the organization was devastated by the loss and extending its condolences to Trejo, his extended family and friends.
Trejo, who spent much of his career in Venezuela, had traveled to the country to support his family during the disaster. His father and brother also arrived to assist in the search, underscoring the personal stakes for the player.
The tragedy extended beyond Trejo’s household; a 14‑year‑old academy player and a club staff member were also among the dead, while authorities report that nearly 69,000 people remain missing.
Social media tributes poured in after Trejo posted a birthday message to his wife in April, and a family friend, Edson Tortolero, appealed for respect and support for the grieving household.