The search for the family of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo has ended in tragedy after they were found dead following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week.

According to Trejo’s club, Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira, the bodies of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and the couple’s two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were discovered after an intensive search that lasted 74 hours.

In a statement, the club said: “Club Sport Maritimo La Guaira deeply mourns the loss suffered by Lucas Trejo’s family. We ask for respect for his relatives and teammates.”

The statement added: “After a 74-hour search, they were found deceased.”

The devastating discovery comes after Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude on Wednesday. Officials have reported at least 1,430 people have died, while tens of thousands are still missing as rescue crews continue searching through the destruction, according to VT.

Trejo went to their home in La Guaira, where his brother-in-law, Ricardo Ardiles, said he discovered ‘a horrific scene’.

“He found absolutely nothing of what the building itself had been,” Ardiles told CNN, according to Tyla.

“We pray for eternal life for them”

Family friend and fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero also confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

“We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo’s family members have been found lifeless,” he wrote.

He continued: “We thank everyone for the support and ask for the most sincere respect for his family at this time. WE PRAY FOR ETERNAL LIFE FOR THEM.”

Trejo joined Venezuelan club Marítimo earlier this year after spending much of his professional career playing in Venezuela. Argentine media reported that after the earthquakes hit, the defender’s father and brother traveled to Venezuela to help him search for his missing wife and children.

Argentina’s soccer team wrote a tribute

Just months before the disaster, Trejo shared a heartfelt birthday message for Yanina on social media.

“Happy birthday my love!!!” he wrote.

“May God richly bless your life and continue to fulfill the desires of your heart.”

He added: “It is a blessing for us as a family to have you and to move forward in the purpose we have together! With you everything is easier and more beautiful always.”

Argentina’s soccer team also wrote a tribute on their official Instagram page.

“From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aarón and Ainhoa Trejo,” a media representative said, according to Tyla.

“Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”

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