Cali says goodbye to Yenci Lorena Restrepo: the mother who gave her life for her children during the earthquake
The community of Cali went into mourning this Friday to bid a final farewell to Yenci Lorena Restrepo, a 30-year-old mother who became a symbol of heroism after passing away while protecting her two little ones during the strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Colombia last Monday.
The tragic event occurred in the Alto Meléndez neighborhood, where the young mother resided with her husband, Sebastián Íguira. When the seismic movement began, Yenci did not hesitate to prioritize the safety of her children, aged four and six. While she was attempting to evacuate the second floor of her home, a wall collapsed, claiming her life instantly.
What the neighbors tell me is that she was hugging the children and a wall collapsed on top of her; what she did was throw the children forward and she took the full impact
Sebastián Íguira, victim’s husband
An act of unconditional love
Thanks to Yenci’s brave and quick reaction, both minors managed to survive. Currently, the six-year-old boy has already been discharged and is in the process of recovery, while the four-year-old girl remains hospitalized with a fissure in her head, although doctors report that her progress is satisfactory.
The victim’s husband, who was running errands near the scene at the time of the disaster, recounted the anguish he experienced while trying to contact her without success. “It was the longest journey of my life. When I arrived at the house and saw the situation, I was in shock. I loved her very much,” he expressed with deep pain.
Tribute to a heroine
During the wake in Alto Meléndez, family and friends wore white t-shirts with Yenci’s photograph and emotional messages highlighting her sacrifice. The farewell culminated with a funeral procession to a cemetery in the south of Cali, where she was honored by the community as a true warrior.
- Yenci Lorena Restrepo, 30 years old, died while rescuing her 4 and 6-year-old children.
- The 7.4 magnitude earthquake has left a preliminary toll of 110 dead in Cali and 285 nationwide.
- The community bid farewell to the mother with applause, recognizing her bravery in the final moments of the tragedy.
Amidst sobs and applause, Sebastián dedicated a few final words to her during the funeral: “You are a warrior, my love, thank you for what you gave me. I will hold onto the best of you.” Yenci’s legacy remains as a testament to maternal love in the face of adversity.
