Venezuelan Volleyball Captain, Family Die in Devastating Earthquake

The sports world is mourning the tragic loss of Wilner Rivas, the 31-year-old captain of Venezuela's men's national volleyball team, who perished along with his wife, Marianhel Perez, and their young son, Teo, in a devastating earthquake in Venezuela's La Guaira state. The family had been reported missing since June 24, and their bodies were discovered beneath the ruins of their collapsed building.

The heartbreaking news was initially shared by Brazilian journalist Daniel Bortoletto and subsequently confirmed by the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation and the Spanish club Guaguas, where Rivas was slated to play next season. Rivas was a highly regarded athlete, recognized as one of Venezuela's top volleyball players for many years and a consistent presence as the national team captain.

His career spanned various countries, including Italy, France, Turkey, Argentina, and the Middle East. The upcoming season was set to mark his debut in the prestigious Champions League. The European Volleyball confederation expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to Rivas's family.

The earthquake struck areas that were among the hardest hit, leaving a trail of destruction. The discovery of the family's remains brings a somber confirmation to their disappearance, leaving a void in the Venezuelan sports community and the international volleyball scene.

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It is with deep sadness and sorrow that the European Volleyball family has learned that Willner Rivas, his wife Mariangel Pérez, and their young son Theo have passed away due to the earthquake that struck Venezuela.Our hearts and deepest condolences are with their family, loved…