Álvaro Aroca and his mother Paola Bustamante died in devastating Chile wildfires after the young player’s recent leg surgery limited their ability to escape the flames
A promising young footballer and his mother have tragically died in a horrific forest fire that consumed their home whilst they took refuge inside.
Álvaro Aroca and Paola Bustamante were trapped by the deadly blaze with no means of escape.
The 20-year-old footballer had recently undergone significant leg surgery which severely restricted his movement, likely hampering their desperate bid for safety.
Emergency crews discovered their remains in the property’s bathroom alongside their beloved pets after the pair had desperately sought sanctuary there.
Raging wildfires across Chile’s Ñuble and Biobío regions have torn through 8,500 hectares, claiming at least 19 lives and forcing more than 200,000 residents to flee, according to reports.
The inferno reached the coastal town of Penco on Sunday (18 January), trapping the victims inside their dwelling.
Álvaro had earned recognition locally as a talented prospect playing for football club Lord Cochrane.
Club president Patricia Salinas expressed her devastation, saying: “We are all shocked by this very unfortunate event, and it is that not only did such a young man die, but also his mother.
“In these hours of so much pain, we spiritually accompany his loved ones.”
Álvaro’s heartbroken father Nelson Aroca Basaur paid tribute: “My son was an angel, he was very loved.
“My wife was also a passionate person, very loving and supportive of others.
“In fact, she even quit her job to dedicate herself to social work, to the community. What happened to us really hurts.
“I know there are other deaths, but my wife and son were a very strong blow.
“It’s terrible to go out and come back and see everything lost.”
In addition to kick-starting a promising football career, Álvaro was also in his fourth year studying geology at Andrés Bello National University in Concepción, Chile.