LOS ANGELES, CA – The family of a Southern California man is mourning a devastating loss after he was killed during a violent earthquake while on vacation in Venezuela last week.
Tragedy During Birthday Vacation
Romildo Batista de Lima was traveling with his wife, Carlha Nacarid, to celebrate her birthday when a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near San Felipe, followed immediately by a 7.5-magnitude temblor near Yumare.
As the couple stayed at their hotel, a wall collapsed directly onto them. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where de Lima unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Nacarid survived the collapse but sustained severe injuries, including a broken leg and hip, and remains hospitalized in Venezuela.
Desperate Fight To Bring Him Home
The family is currently working across international borders to fulfill de Lima’s final wishes. “My priority right now is to get his body from Venezuela to Brazil. That’s where he wanted to be buried,” his son, Daniel de Lima, told local news outlets.
Despite reaching out to multiple government agencies for assistance with international transport and medical care, the family stated they have not yet received official support. De Lima’s immediate family is currently preparing to travel from Los Angeles to Brazil for the final rites.
Community Rallies For Support
To help offset the massive financial burden, the family has set up a community fundraiser to assist with:
- Transporting de Lima’s body to his native Uberlândia, Brazil.
- Covering Nacarid’s ongoing surgeries and medical recovery in Venezuela.
- Assisting the Los Angeles-based family with urgent international travel costs.
The community has already shown immense support, raising over $12,000 toward the family’s financial goal as they navigate this sudden crisis.
