The family of a Southern California man is reeling from a devastating loss after he was killed in the deadly Venezuela earthquake last week.
Romildo Batista de Lima was on vacation with his wife, Carlha Nacarid, when the tremor struck the Latin American country. As the quake hit, a hotel wall where they were staying collapsed on the couple.
The duo were rushed to the hospital, according to a GoFundMe set up by the man’s son, where de Lima died from his injuries. Nacarid survived with severe injuries, including a broken leg and hip.
Pastor Romildo Batista de Lima was killed when a hotel wall collapsed on him. GoFundMe
An aerial view of buildings destroyed following earthquakes in Caraballeda, La Guaira State, Venezuela, on June 29. via REUTERS
De Lima holding an infant next to a toddler in an undated photograph. eyJpdiI6IktaWVU4LzJiK3lUUDR4clJsQmlvdGc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiaGRTUkZnZ3IrdSt1Q0U1OVFuSG9VanJ5U2I2K2kzRGdGdXFpdmlrOG10cGgrd2hnMWhPaVhnT285RVJjTmF6YUJaRTd1alR2Zk9rVGpsdTQwSG5JWWc9PSIsIm1hYyI6Ijg3ZGQwOWM0NGQw
“My priority right now is to get his body from Venezuela to Brazil. That’s where he wanted to be buried,” Daniel de Lima told ABC7 Eyewitness News. “Trying to coordinate that with my Brazilian side of the family that’s over there. And at this moment he’s en route to Brazil where he wants to be laid to rest.”
A magnitude-7.2 quake struck roughly 100 miles west of Caracas near San Felipe at 6 p.m. last Wednesday, followed just 39 seconds later by an even bigger 7.5-magnitude temblor hitting the town of Yumare about 27 miles away, according to the US Geological Survey.
De Lima, whose father was a pastor, said the couple was in the country to celebrate his stepmother’s birthday.
“In a matter of seconds, everything changed,” the family wrote in the GoFundMe. “He dedicated his life to serving others through his faith, with perseverance and diligence, touching countless lives with his compassion, humility, and unwavering love.”
De Lima (R) seen in an undated photo. GoFundMe
De Lima died when a hotel wall collapsed on him. GoFundMe
“My priority right now is to get his body from Venezuela to Brazil. That’s where he wanted to be buried,” Daniel de Lima told ABC7 Eyewitness News GoFundMeThe fundraising site has collected more than $12,000 as of Tuesday morning toward its $18,000 goal.
The funds raised will help bring de Lima home to his native Uberlândia, Brazil for his funeral and burial.
It will also help cover Nacarid’s surgeries and medical care as she recovers in Venezuela, and assist de Lima’s immediate family with travel from Los Angeles to Brazil so they can be together during this tough time.
“He was a loving husband, a devoted father to Daniel de Lima and a proud grandfather of three grandchildren, a caring brother, and a faithful friend,” the GoFundMe states.
The family said they have tried to contact authorities but to no avail.
“We have spent the last several days desperately trying every possible avenue for help. We reached out to government agencies and anyone we thought could assist us, hoping they could help bring Romildo home and help Carlha get the medical care she needs. Sadly, despite all of our efforts, we have not received the support we were praying for,” they wrote.
The Trump U.S. Department of State said it had no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.
“U.S. Embassy staff in Caracas has been in close contact with Mr. de Lima’s family since his death and we continue to provide all appropriate consular support. We take seriously the obligation to help whenever an American dies abroad,” a spokesperson for DOS told the Post. “We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased’s family and loved ones, as well as to all those affected by the devastating earthquakes. We remain committed to supporting the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.”
The government did not directly address the family’s allegations, saying it could not discuss the specific case due to privacy concerns. However, it noted that, “When an American dies abroad, we facilitate the repatriation of remains to the United States, issuance of a Consular Report of Death Abroad, and other non-monetary assistance.”
“In cases where the family decides to repatriate the remains to a third country, we can help them identify funeral homes that provide the required services, and provide other appropriate non-monetary assistance,” they added.
Venezuelan authorities confirmed last week that at least 1,719 people have died following the June 24 earthquakes, with some 5,000 more injured.
The State Department also encouraged anyone concerned about American loved ones in Venezuela to contact its emergency assistance line at 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. or Canada, +1-202-501-4444 from overseas, or email ACSCaracas@state.gov.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
