A Venezuelan mother tragically lost her life while shielding her daughter during the devastating twin earthquakes that recently struck the country. The news was confirmed by her husband, footballer Héctor Bello, and various local media outlets.
Bello expressed his profound grief on Instagram, identifying his wife as Andrea. He recounted how she remained steadfast and protective of their toddler during the tremors, ultimately sacrificing herself to ensure their daughter’s survival. Bello, who traveled to Caracas to be with his daughter in the hospital, confirmed that both the child and her aunt are recovering.
The dual quakes near Caracas have resulted in at least 589 fatalities and left nearly 3,000 injured. Rescuers continue to navigate the debris, searching for those still missing. Among the victims were two teenage football players, Razan Sijaa and Victor Palacios, whose deaths were mourned by their respective clubs and the Venezuelan Football Federation.
Additional losses have been reported, including the mother of former Miss Venezuela Giselle Reyes, who passed away due to a heart-related emergency following the building collapse. The tragedy has also claimed the lives of international citizens, including four Spaniards, one Portuguese, and two Brazilians, drawing messages of solidarity from global leaders.