DJ Catalina Ortiz's body recovered after seven days in Cali building collapse

After seven days of painstaking effort, emergency teams in Cali have recovered the body of DJ Catalina Ortiz from the rubble of the Vanessa building. The 30-year-old influencer was trapped on the first floor of the structure, which collapsed during a recent earthquake.

The operation to extract Ortiz was one of the most complex undertaken during the emergency. Rescuers had to meticulously navigate tons of concrete and twisted metal. Five large slabs of concrete were found directly on top of Ortiz, along with heavy beams and other substantial debris, necessitating the use of heavy machinery and large cranes.

The extraction continued through the night, concluding around 4:30 a.m. Teams worked under challenging conditions, carefully managing the immense weight of the debris to prevent further collapse and protect surrounding buildings. The operation required close coordination between rescue groups, machinery operators, and structural safety teams.

Participating in the effort were the Cali Fire Department, members of the National Army, and specialized rescue teams from Israel. Ortiz was the 22nd and final victim recovered from the Vanessa building. The total number of recovered bodies includes two minors, highlighting the tragic scale of the disaster at this site.