Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo has lost his wife and two young children in the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, the club Deportivo La Guaira confirmed.
The 38-year-old player’s wife, Yanina Maranella, and children Aaron and Ainhoa were among the victims when their apartment building in Playa Grande collapsed during the quakes that hit within seconds of each other.
Trejo had desperately appealed for information on social media as rescue efforts continued. “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 posted on Instagram.
Former Venezuelan player Edson Tortolero later announced on social media that the bodies of the three family members had been recovered.
Deportivo La Guaira issued a statement expressing condolences: “We join Lucas Trejo in mourning the tragic passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”
The twin earthquakes have claimed around 1,450 lives, injured over 3,000 people and left more than 50,000 missing, triggering a major international rescue operation.
