By Darlington Onedibe
The wife and two children of Argentine defender Lucas Trejo have tragically lost their lives after their apartment building collapsed during the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Sunday by Venezuelan club Deportivo La Guaira, which released an official statement extending its deep condolences to the 38-year-old footballer and his loved ones.
Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two young children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were initially reported missing after twin earthquakes struck the country’s Yaracuy region. The seismic activity caused severe destruction across the area, including the complete collapse of the residential building where Trejo’s family was staying in Playa Grande, La Guaira.
Following an agonizing 74-hour search by emergency rescue teams, volunteers, and relatives, authorities confirmed that all three had tragically lost their lives under the debris.
”From Deportivo La Guaira, we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”
At the time of the disaster, Trejo who currently plays for the Venezuelan Segunda División side Marítimo was not with his family. The veteran Argentine defender was in Caracas preparing for an upcoming league match.
Upon hearing news of the collapse, Trejo made an emotional appeal on social media, launching an urgent search and asking fans to pray for his family while hoping for a miraculous rescue. Unfortunately, rescue workers confirmed the worst outcome hours later.
The twin earthquakes have plunged the country into a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction cutting across several regions. Official reports indicate the death toll has climbed to over 1,400 people.
Tens of thousands remain missing, and the United Nations estimates that up to seven million people could be affected by the disaster.
Tributes and expressions of solidarity from football clubs, players, and fans around the world have begun pouring in for Trejo during this immense personal tragedy.
