Mother Dies Saving Daughter in Venezuela Earthquakes
A Venezuelan mother lost her life while protecting her daughter during the recent earthquakes that struck the country, as reported by footballer Héctor Bello and local media outlets.
Bello shared on his Instagram account that "his precious love," identified by Venezuelan news sources as his wife Andrea, saved their toddler's life amid two powerful quakes.
"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 continue to search through debris for survivors following twin earthquakes near the capital Caracas, which have resulted in at least 589 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries.
In a series of Instagram posts, Bello stated that he traveled to Caracas where his daughter is receiving medical care.
"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 late Friday.
In another Instagram story, Bello expressed his anguish:
"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."
The local Venezuelan football press and publicity organization, Cumaná de Campeones, also confirmed her death.
"We regret to report that the partner of footballer Héctor Bello 'Kike' - originally from Cumaná - 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.
Héctor Bello wrote in a tribute that he had been left "all alone" with his daughter.
More fatalities from the earthquakes continue to be reported, with victims being identified while many remain missing after the disaster on Wednesday.
Deaths Among Young Football Players
Two teenage football players were among those killed, according to their clubs and the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF).
Caracas Fútbol Club announced that its under-18 player Razan Sijaa died alongside family members at their home in La Guaira.
"His joy, dedication, and camaraderie will accompany us in every step of the institution," the club stated on social media.
Victor Palacios, who left an "indelible mark" on Club Sport San Agustín's academy, was also reported dead by the Caracas-based club.
"There are not enough words to express the pain we feel at his passing," the club added on Instagram.
The FVF confirmed Palacios had played for Marítimo de La Guaira.
Additional Casualties and International Victims
Former Miss Venezuela Giselle Reyes announced on Instagram that her mother died after the twin earthquakes caused her building in La Guaira to "completely collapse."
Reyes stated her mother, whose name was not disclosed, died from a heart attack triggered by the shock and impact of the earthquakes. This information was shared by the nurse who had been caring for her and was rescued alive.
Four Spanish nationals were among the deceased, with 106 still unaccounted for, according to Spanish media citing the foreign ministry.
One Portuguese national and two Brazilian citizens were also confirmed dead by their respective governments.
Portuguese President António José Seguro conveyed a "message of solidarity" to the Venezuelan people and extended his support to Portuguese citizens residing in Venezuela.
