Families of two football stars killed and injured in Venezuela earthquakes

The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela have claimed at least 1,450 lives, with family members of two professional footballers among the casualties. Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo, who plays for Club Sport Marítimo in La Guaira, lost his wife Yanina and their two children, Aaron and Ainhoa. Trejo spent three days searching through rubble in the coastal city before rescue workers recovered their bodies. He was training with his team in Caracas when the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes hit last Wednesday, according to CNN. Upon returning to La Guaira, the worst-affected region, he found "absolutely nothing" left of his home, as stated by his brother-in-law Ricardo Ardiles.

Another Club Sport Marítimo player, Héctor Bello, lost his wife Andrea, who died shielding their infant daughter as their home collapsed. The child, Alana, was later rescued and is in stable condition alongside her aunt, local media reported. Bello, who was away when the quake struck, paid tribute to his wife on Instagram, writing that she was "a brave woman who never abandoned her, even as you took your last breaths."

The disaster also killed youth players Victor Palacios and Razan Sijaa, according to Venezuelan football officials. Palacios played for Club Sport San Augustín's academy, while Sijaa played for Caracas Fútbol Club and died with his family at their La Guaira home.

Rescue efforts continue, with the 72-hour window for likely survivors ending on Saturday, said Sebastian Eugster, leader of the Swiss rescue team. The US Geological Survey predicts deaths could reach 10,000. This was the most powerful earthquake in Venezuela since 1900.