Athletes Missing and Affected After Venezuela's Twin Earthquakes
Here's the latest update on the athletes and sports figures impacted by the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela.
The sports community has been left reeling following Wednesday's twin earthquakes in Venezuela, as several athletes remain missing while others have been directly affected by the tragedy that has shaken the country. Rescue efforts continue as authorities work around the clock in the hardest-hit areas.
One of the most encouraging developments came with the discovery of Yimvert Berroterán, a Venezuela U-20 national team forward and one of La Vinotinto's brightest prospects. Rescue crews located the young striker alive beneath the rubble and are working to free him safely.
Berroterán had initially been reported missing alongside fellow youth footballers Juan Manuel Pimentel Berríos (16, Deportivo La Guaira), Mainell Rondón (12), Rubén Rovaina, Robert Pérez, and Kleudes García.
Tragically, authorities also confirmed the death of Víctor Andrés Palacios, a player from the Colegio San Agustín El Paraíso football academy.
Well-Known Athletes Also Affected
Two-time Ballon d'Or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas revealed through social media that she and her family are safe after being caught in Caracas during the disaster.
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel García also reassured fans that he and his family are safe after initially being unable to contact his wife and daughter.
Others, however, are still searching for loved ones. Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo, former MLB catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, and San Francisco Giants outfielder Gorkys Hernández have all reported missing family members. Similar situations reportedly involve other players from Major League Baseball and the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, although many names have not yet been made public.
The Sports Community Rallies
Professional football clubs across Venezuela have opened their facilities as official donation and relief centers, while the Venezuelan Football Federation is monitoring the safety of players from its 17 national teams and athletes from the country's central region, which suffered the most severe damage.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) has suspended its activities, and organizations including Major League Baseball, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
According to the latest official figures, the disaster has claimed 188 lives, left 1,520 people injured, 157 reported missing, and more than 200 trapped beneath collapsed structures. Authorities also report 2,927 displaced families and damage to at least 346 buildings, including hospitals, commercial centers, and residential complexes, as rescue operations continue.
