🕊️🏐💔 Venezuela Mourns Volleyball Captain Willner Rivas and His Family Following Devastating Earthquake

The Venezuelan sports community is united in grief following the confirmation that national volleyball captain Willner Rivas Quijada, his wife Mariángel Pérez, and their young son Theo were found after an extensive search following the powerful earthquake that struck on June 24.

For eleven days, relatives, teammates, friends, and supporters around the world followed rescue efforts with hope, praying for positive news. As search teams continued working through challenging conditions, thousands of messages of encouragement filled social media, reflecting the admiration and affection so many people held for the athlete and his family.

The heartbreaking update was confirmed on July 5, bringing an emotional conclusion to the search.

Willner Rivas was widely respected not only for his accomplishments on the volleyball court but also for the leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship he demonstrated throughout his career. As captain of Venezuela’s national volleyball team, he proudly represented his country in international compeтιтion and inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Only recently, Rivas had taken another important step in his professional journey by signing with Spain’s Guaguas Volleyball Club for the upcoming 2026–2027 season. Following the tragic news, the club shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering him as an exceptional teammate and an outstanding individual whose impact extended far beyond the game.

The Venezuelan Volleyball Federation also honored Rivas, recognizing his years of commitment to the national program and expressing deep sympathy to everyone affected by the loss. Teammates, coaches, and supporters described him as a respected leader whose pᴀssion for volleyball was matched only by his devotion to his family.

Across Venezuela, tributes have continued to pour in from athletes, sports organizations, and fans who remember not only Willner’s achievements but also the love he shared with Mariángel and their young son Theo. Many have emphasized that while his sporting accomplishments will always be celebrated, his greatest legacy remains the family he cherished.

The tragedy has deeply touched the international volleyball community, with messages of support arriving from clubs and federations around the world. Many have expressed solidarity with the Rivas family and the Venezuelan people during this difficult time.

As Venezuela reflects on this profound loss, supporters continue honoring the memories of Willner, Mariángel, and Theo through tributes celebrating their lives, their love for one another, and the positive impact they had on those around them.

Though their absence leaves an immeasurable void, their legacy of dedication, family, and resilience will continue inspiring countless people for years to come. Their memories remain forever in the hearts of teammates, friends, loved ones, and everyone who admired the remarkable life and spirit of Willner Rivas and his beautiful family.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0zceNb3HyAVwZdkHjHQQSJvXrFAwNK4MjVyDv5xLmGBapYrpS3hRtj1vm2iUJkLg3l&id=61561458084118