Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo has suffered a personal tragedy after his wife and two children were confirmed dead in the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week.
The footballer’s club confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement, expressing condolences to Trejo and his family following the loss.
According to international media reports, Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maraniela, and the couple’s two children, Aaron Trejo and Ainhoa Trejo, were in the coastal area of Playa Grande when the powerful earthquakes struck. The residential building where they were staying collapsed during the disaster.
Following the earthquakes, the three family members were initially reported missing as rescue teams searched through the rubble for survivors. Authorities later confirmed that all three had died.
At the time of the disaster, Trejo was in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, preparing for an upcoming match with his club. After learning that his family was missing, he appealed on social media for prayers and assistance in locating them.
The tragedy has drawn widespread sympathy from the football community, with teammates, clubs and supporters expressing their condolences to the player during what is expected to be one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The earthquakes, which struck Venezuela on June 24, caused widespread destruction across several regions of the country. Thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed, leaving many families displaced and rescue teams racing to search for survivors.
According to the United Nations, approximately 6.76 million people have been affected by the disaster. The death toll has risen to nearly 1,500, while thousands of people remain missing as emergency workers continue search and rescue operations.
Authorities and international aid organisations remain engaged in relief efforts, providing emergency shelter, medical assistance and humanitarian support to communities devastated by the powerful earthquakes.