Venezuelan man mourns mother, wife, two daughters, and nephew lost in earthquakes

Leonardo Suárez bid a heart-wrenching farewell to his mother, wife, two daughters, and nephew, who perished in the devastating earthquakes of June 24. The funeral ceremony, held in Catia La Mar, La Guaira, saw Suárez honor the six family members who were cremated. He shared cherished memories and spoke of the joy they brought into his life during both good and bad times.

Around forty people attended the service, including Suárez's wife's relatives who traveled from Maracay. The family had been gathered at a beach kiosk managed by Suárez's mother when the earthquakes struck. Portraits of the six deceased were placed beside small wooden boxes containing their ashes. La Guaira was the region most severely impacted by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors.

"I am a person going through a terrible time, but thanks to the love of the people who have supported me, of the people around me, I remain firm," Suárez told EFE. He credits his faith and God's mercy for helping him endure. He recalled a final conversation with his wife, Kimberling, who told him she was going to the kingdom of heaven, a thought that sustains him.

Suárez, who celebrated his 29th birthday on June 24, was at a barbershop when the double earthquake hit. Upon returning home, he found his building collapsed. He believes divine guidance led him through the rubble to his wife, Kimberling, who was still alive and offered him words of encouragement. "Even though my heart and soul are a bit broken, thanks to her and her words, I can face this reality," he stated. He also expressed gratitude to God for allowing him to find his relatives' bodies, acknowledging that many families have yet to locate their loved ones.

The ceremony included music the family enjoyed, prayers, and the release of balloons into the air, marking a poignant tribute to those lost.