Argentina footballer Lucas Trejos wife, two children killed in Venezuela earthquake; death toll rises to 1400

PTC News Desk: In a heartbreaking tragedy, Venezuelan football club Deportivo La Guaira has confirmed that the wife and two children of Argentine defender Lucas Trejo died in the recent earthquakes that struck Venezuela.

Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa, were reported missing after their apartment building collapsed during the powerful earthquakes in the Yaracuy region. Rescue teams later confirmed that all three had lost their lives.

Before the tragic news was confirmed, Trejo had launched an urgent search for his family with the help of relatives, volunteers and rescue workers. He also made an emotional appeal on social media, asking people to pray for his family and share any information about their whereabouts.

Trejo was not present at the scene as he was in Caracas with his club, Maritimo, to prepare for an upcoming match.

"From the #DLG 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," the club said in an official statement.

In his Instagram post, Trejo said that their building in Playa Grande had collapsed and that he had no information about his wife and children. He expressed hope that they might have survived and urged people to pray for them.

The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation across Venezuela. According to estimates by the United Nations, nearly seven million people may have been affected by the disaster. The twin earthquakes have reportedly claimed close to 1,000 lives and left tens of thousands of people missing.

The tragedy has drawn condolences from the football community and people across the world, as Trejo mourns the loss of his family amid one of Venezuela's worst natural disasters in recent years.