Juan Felipe Giraldo’s family had been preparing for a celebration that was only days away. At 24, he was looking forward to marrying Natalia Patiño, the mother of his two-year-old son. Instead, his loved ones are now preparing to say goodbye after his life was cut short by a devastating earthquake in Pereira, Colombia.
Giraldo’s death was confirmed after his body was found beneath the rubble of the Dibeni hotel, following an intensive search by rescue teams. Reports say he had traveled to Pereira for work, where he worked as a salesperson, arriving in the city during the early hours of the earthquake.
His father, Hernán Giraldo, remained close to the emergency area throughout the search, hoping against hope that his son would be found alive. His words reflected the heartbreak of a father who was still holding onto the possibility of seeing his son return home.
Juan Felipe was remembered as a young father whose future had seemed full of promise. He was preparing to begin married life with Natalia while raising their young son.
The earthquake transformed what should have been a joyful family occasion into an unimaginable tragedy. Instead of celebrating a wedding on Sunday, his loved ones are mourning a life taken before he could reach that milestone.
Details about Giraldo’s wider personal and professional history have not been publicly confirmed.
For his family, friends, partner and young son, Juan Felipe’s absence will be felt for years to come. His story is a painful reminder of how suddenly life can change, leaving behind memories, love and dreams that can no longer be fulfilled.