La Guaira, Venezuela — The wife and two young children of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo were found dead after being trapped for days under the rubble of their collapsed apartment building following devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.

The powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes hit the country, causing widespread destruction and a reported death toll of at least 1,430 people, with tens of thousands still missing.

Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were at their home in the hard-hit La Guaira state when the building collapsed. Trejo, who plays for Deportivo La Guaira, was not at home at the time and launched a desperate public search for his family in the immediate aftermath.

Rescuers recovered the bodies after an agonizing roughly 72- to 74-hour search, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The family’s team issued a statement expressing condolences: “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. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”

Trejo’s father and brother had traveled to Venezuela to assist in the search efforts. The tragedy has drawn widespread sympathy from the soccer community across South America.

The earthquakes, which struck on June 24, caused catastrophic damage particularly in coastal and northern regions, leaving thousands injured and many more displaced. Rescue and recovery operations continue amid ongoing challenges.