The Argentine soccer player’s family was recovered after a dayslong search in La Guaira.
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — The wife and two children of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo were found dead after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, ending a dayslong search through rubble in one of the country’s hardest-hit coastal areas.
Trejo, 38, plays for Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira and has spent much of his career in Venezuelan soccer. His wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were reported missing after the quakes damaged buildings in La Guaira. Their deaths added a personal loss for Venezuela’s soccer community as rescue crews continued searching for victims across the country.
The club said the family was found after a 74-hour search. Edson Tortolero, a fellow soccer player and family friend, confirmed the deaths in a public message, saying the bodies of Trejo’s family members had been found lifeless. “We thank everyone for the support and ask for the most sincere respect for his family at this time,” Tortolero said. Trejo’s father and brother traveled from Argentina to help during the search, according to reports from Argentina.
The earthquakes struck Wednesday, June 24, with reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. Trejo was in Caracas with his club when the disaster hit. His family was in La Guaira, where rescuers, teammates, relatives and volunteers searched through collapsed structures. Authorities and local reports have described heavy damage in coastal communities, with thousands of people hurt, displaced or still unaccounted for.
Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira said it was mourning an “irreparable loss” and offered support to Trejo. The club also confirmed other losses connected to the organization, including 14-year-old academy player Victor Palacios and staff member Adriana Aranguren. The statements showed how the disaster reached beyond one family and into the wider sports community in La Guaira, where soccer clubs often serve as local anchors.
Trejo joined Marítimo earlier this year. Before that, the defender played for several clubs during a career that included long stretches in Venezuela. In April, he posted a birthday message for Maranella, calling her a blessing to their family. After the quakes, supporters, clubs and players shared messages of grief and solidarity as the search for his wife and children continued.
Rescue operations remained active across damaged areas as officials worked to confirm casualties, identify victims and reach people believed to be trapped. The exact circumstances of Maranella’s and the children’s deaths had not been publicly detailed. Officials had not announced any hearing or legal proceeding tied to the case, which remained part of the broader emergency response after the earthquakes.
The search for Trejo’s family ended Saturday night, according to accounts shared by teammates and the club. The discovery came as crews continued digging through collapsed buildings elsewhere in Venezuela. For Trejo, the public stage shifted from a desperate rescue effort to mourning, with his club saying he was not alone and that teammates, staff and supporters stood with him.
As of Monday, June 29, rescue work and damage assessments were still underway in Venezuela. Trejo’s club had not announced when he would return to team activities.
Author note: Last updated June 29, 2026.