Venezuelan (and world) volleyball mourns the tragic loss of National Team Captain Willner Rivas and his family

It is with immense sorrow that we learned this Sunday that the bodies of Willner Rivas, his wife Mariangel Pérez, and their young son Theo Rivas have been found.

For several days, we held on to hope. We wanted to believe there would be a different outcome, but today, that hope has given way to profound grief.

The volleyball community in Venezuela and around the world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of the captain of the Venezuelan men’s national team.
He was just 31 years old.

He was found dead after the family had been missing since June 24, the day powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela.
The tragic news first emerged yesterday and was later officially confirmed by the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation (FVV) and CV Guaguas, the Spanish club that had recently signed Rivas for the 2026/27 Superliga season.
According to local reports, the family was at their home in La Guaira State when the building collapsed during the earthquakes. In the days that followed, teammates, relatives, and members of the volleyball community launched appeals on social media, hoping to speed up search-and-rescue efforts as crews continued to comb through the rubble.

In its statement, the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation paid tribute to its captain, remembering his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the national team.
“His legacy as an athlete and the pride of seeing him represent our national colors will forever remain in the hearts of Venezuelan fans.”

The Federation also extended its deepest condolences to Rivas’ family, friends, teammates, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Venezuelan volleyball, Rivas enjoyed an international career that took him to clubs in France, Italy, Turkey, Argentina, and the Middle East. His talent, experience, and leadership earned him the captaincy of the national team and the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Rivas was set to begin a new chapter in Spain with CV Guaguas, one of the country’s top volleyball clubs, ahead of the 2026–27 season. Instead, his promising future was cut tragically short, leaving the international volleyball community united in grief over the loss of a remarkable athlete, devoted husband, and loving father.

In an emotional statement, Narbonne Volley paid tribute to its late player. The club also announced that the number 19 jersey, worn by Willner Rivas during his time with the Centurions, will be permanently retired.

“Willner Rivas will forever remain the Centurions’ number 19. In his memory, no one will ever wear this number for our club again,” the club said.

As of Sunday evening, the provisional death toll from the twin earthquakes that devastated northern Venezuela had reached at least 3,342, with 16,740 people injured. However, the toll is expected to rise significantly, as the United Nations estimates that around 50,000 people are still missing.

To his family, his loved ones, his former teammates, and everyone who knew and loved him, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.

Rest in peace, Willner.
Rest in peace, Mariangel and Theo.