A Venezuelan mother has died after sacrificing her own life to save her young daughter during the earthquakes that struck the country, according to footballer Héctor Bello and local media reports.
Bello revealed on Instagram that “his precious love”, identified by Venezuelan news outlets as his wife Andrea, saved the life of their toddler during the two powerful earthquakes, reports BBC.
“I’ll tell her the story of how you saved her, my love – how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who never abandoned her, even as you took your last breaths,” Bello wrote in his post.
Rescue teams are continuing to search through the rubble for survivors after the twin earthquakes near the capital, Caracas, killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,000.
In a series of Instagram posts, Bello said he had travelled to Caracas, where his daughter was receiving treatment in hospital.
“My daughter and her aunt are doing well, they won’t be discharged today – they’re staying at the hospital. Thank you so much for supporting me through this immense pain,” he posted overnight on Friday.
In another Instagram Story, Bello wrote: “How do I explain to your daughter that you lost your life to save hers, and that I wasn’t there to do anything? How do I explain it? Give me strength now.”
Venezuelan football media organisation Cumaná de Campeones also confirmed Andrea’s death.
“We regret to report that the partner of footballer Héctor Bello “Kike” – originally from Cumana – was found dead in the rubble following the earthquake that struck the country.
“Their daughter, however, survived the collapse of the building where the entire family resided.”
US Spanish-language news outlet Univision also reported the death of Bello’s wife.
As authorities continue to identify victims, more deaths linked to Wednesday’s disaster are being confirmed, while many people remain missing.
Two footballers were also among those killed, according to their clubs and the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF).
Caracas Fútbol Club said its under-18 player Razan Sijaa died alongside family members when their home in La Guaira collapsed.
“His joy, dedication, and camaraderie will accompany us in every step of the institution,” the club said in a social media post.
Club Sport San Agustín, based in Caracas, paid tribute to Victor Palacios on Instagram, saying he had left an “indelible mark” on the club’s academy.
“There are not enough words to express the pain we feel at his passing,” the club added.
The FVF also confirmed Palacios’ death, noting that he had previously played for Marítimo de La Guaira.
Former Miss Venezuela Giselle Reyes also announced on Instagram that her mother had died after the twin earthquakes caused her residential building in La Guaira to “completely collapse”.
Reyes said her mother, whose name she did not disclose, suffered a fatal heart attack caused by the shock and impact of the earthquakes. She added that the news was relayed by the nurse who had been caring for her mother and was rescued alive.
