The search for the family of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo has concluded in sorrow after they were found deceased following the catastrophic earthquakes that hit Venezuela last week.
As reported by Trejo’s club, Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira, the bodies of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were located after a thorough search that lasted 74 hours.
In a statement, the club expressed: “Club Sport Maritimo La Guaira is deeply saddened by the loss experienced by Lucas Trejo’s family. We request that his relatives and teammates be treated with respect.”
The statement further noted: “After a 74-hour search, they were found deceased.”
This tragic revelation follows the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. Officials have reported at least 1,430 fatalities, with tens of thousands still unaccounted for as rescue teams continue to sift through the wreckage, according to VT.
Trejo visited their residence in La Guaira, where his brother-in-law, Ricardo Ardiles, described discovering ‘a horrific scene.’
“He found absolutely nothing of what the building itself had been,” Ardiles shared with CNN, as reported by Tyla.
“We pray for eternal life for them.”
Family friend and fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero also shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
“We would like to inform everyone in Venezuela and Argentina that the lifeless bodies of Lucas Trejo’s family members have been discovered,” he stated.
He went on to say: “We appreciate all the support and kindly request that everyone shows the utmost respect for his family during this difficult time. WE PRAY FOR THEIR ETERNAL PEACE.”
Earlier this year, Trejo joined the Venezuelan club Marítimo after spending a significant part of his professional career in Venezuela. Reports from Argentine media indicated that following the earthquakes, the defender’s father and brother traveled to Venezuela to assist him in searching for his missing wife and children.
Argentina’s national soccer team paid tribute.
Just a few months prior to the tragedy, Trejo posted a touching birthday message for Yanina on social media.
“Happy birthday, my love!!!” he expressed.
“May God abundantly bless your life and continue to fulfill your heart’s desires.”
He further added: “Having you as a family member is a true blessing, and together we can move forward in our shared purpose! With you, everything is always easier and more beautiful.”
The Argentine soccer team also shared a tribute on their official Instagram account.
“The #DLG expresses its heartfelt condolences to player Lucas Trejo during this difficult time, mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aarón and Ainhoa Trejo,” a media representative stated, as reported by Tyla.
“May their souls rest in peace, and may Lucas and all his family find solace.”
