FOOTBALLER Yimvert Berroteran has tragically died aged 18 after being trapped under the rubble during the Venezuelan earthquakes.
Berroteran, who played for Venezuelan club Universidad Central, was said to have been trapped for more than 24 hours.
Journalist Jair Pineda first confirmed the news on X, writing: “We are in a position to confirm that, after 24 hours of intense work trying to rescue him, the Venezuelan Yimvert Berroteran did not survive and unfortunately his body was recovered.”
Fellow reporter Eliaz Lopez added: “There are no words for a moment like this. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Berroteran was considered one of Venezuela’s rising stars and had featured for his country at the U17 World Cup last year.
MUM’S SACRIFICE
Footballer’s wife dies shielding daughter, 1, during Venezuela earthquakes
According to Monitoreamos, his death has reportedly been confirmed by the player’s family after a video by his girlfriend’s mother.
The Venezuelan FA have released a statement revealing their “immense pain” over Berroteran’s death.
The statement read: “The Venzuelan Federation deeply regrets the death of Yimvert Berroteran.
“Today, Venezuelan football says goodbye with immense pain to a young man who represented with pride, commitment and love the colors of our country.
“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, technical teammates and loved ones in this moment of deep sadness.
“Yimvert, your light will continue to be present. I feel peace to your soul.”
The devastating earthquakes have wreaked havoc across the country with 50,000 reported missing.
It came after footballer Hector Bello tragically lost his wife in the quakes after she shielded the couple’s one-year-old daughter.
Miraculously, the toddler survived and was rescued in time.
Bello, who plays as a defender for second division side Maritimo de La Guaira, paid tribute to his wife Andrea after their building collapsed in the disaster.
In raw social media posts, Bello shared his heartbreak: “You left us alone in the fight, mummy. You left me all alone with our daughter.”
He added in a sec