Caracas FC confirms death of U-18 player Razan Sijaa in earthquake

The Venezuelan football community is mourning the loss of Razan Sijaa, an 18-year-old player for Caracas FC, who died along with his family in the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. The young athlete and his relatives were trapped when their home in La Guaira, the coastal region hardest hit by the tremors, collapsed.

Sijaa had recently participated in a match for the capital's affiliate team against Ávila FC. National football sources reported that the player and his family were buried in the rubble of their residence. He had been reported missing in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Caracas FC expressed its grief on social media, stating, "The organization, coaching staff, players, and work staff join the mourning that grips all their relatives and friends. His joy, dedication, and camaraderie will accompany us in every step of the institution."

As of June 25, national authorities reported 188 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries from the natural disaster. However, U.S. government estimates suggest the death toll could be in the thousands.

The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) also reported seven other players missing as of June 25: Mainell Rondón (Adiffem), Yimvert Berroterán (UCV FC), José Pimentel (Deportivo La Guaira), Fausto Escobar and Rubén Rovaina (Vinotinto beach soccer team), Robert Pérez (Centauros de Caracas futsal), and former player Kleudes García. Additionally, relatives of professional baseball players from the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LMBP) are reported missing after a hotel they were staying in collapsed in La Guaira.