Heartbreaking: Man found dead in earthquake rubble was to marry fiancée days later
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Juan Felipe Giraldo, who was trapped under rubble after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, has been confirmed dead.
- He was found on August 14th, days after the earthquake struck on August 10th.
- Giraldo was scheduled to marry his fiancée on August 17th and was a father to a two-year-old child.
The devastating earthquake that struck Pereira has claimed the life of Juan Felipe Giraldo, who was found deceased under the rubble on Friday, August 14th. Giraldo had been trapped since the powerful 7.4 magnitude tremor hit the region on Monday, August 10th. His family had held onto hope for his survival throughout the harrowing days of rescue efforts.
Giraldo's tragic death comes just days before his planned wedding. He was set to marry his fiancée this Sunday, August 17th. The couple also shares a two-year-old child, adding another layer of heartbreak to this already devastating loss. His father, Hernán Giraldo, had been actively involved in the search, accompanying rescue teams in the hope of finding his son alive.
According to his father, Juan Felipe Giraldo was in Pereira for work and was staying on the second floor, in room 206 of a hotel, when the earthquake struck. The elder Giraldo had spoken about the power of prayer during the difficult search, appealing for prayers not only for his son but for all those affected by the disaster.
The earthquake has left a significant impact on Pereira, with numerous stories of loss and resilience emerging. The confirmation of Giraldo's death underscores the severity of the disaster and the profound personal tragedies unfolding in its wake. The community mourns not only the lives lost but also the futures tragically cut short.
The most powerful thing is prayer, let's pray for all people, not just for my son, but for all affected people.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.