The global volleyball community mourns the death of the Venezuelan national team captain, who, along with his wife and son, died in an earthquake after an 11-day search.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) confirmed the deaths of Willner Rivas, captain of the Venezuelan men's national volleyball team; Mariangel Pérez, a former Venezuelan women's national volleyball player and Rivas's wife; and their son Theo Rivas. The three went missing during a powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela on 24 June. Officials recovered their bodies after an extensive 11-day search operation.
Reports indicate that Rivas and his family were inside a residential building in La Guaira state when the earthquake struck, causing many buildings to collapse and severe damage across northern Venezuela. The death toll has continued to rise, with many still reported missing.
During the search period, family, teammates, and volleyball fans worldwide prayed for a miracle and shared messages seeking help on social media. On 5 July, the CV Guaguas club, the Spanish league champions who had recently signed Rivas for the 2026-27 season, along with the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation, confirmed that the bodies of the three had been found.
Following the sad confirmation, Narbonne Volley, Rivas's former club, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their former player. The club announced that the number 19 jersey, worn by Rivas during his time with the team, will be retired permanently to honor and remember him.
"Willner Rivas will forever be number 19 for the Centurions (former team name). In his memory, no one will wear this jersey again for our club," the club stated.
At 31 years old, Rivas was one of Venezuela's most prominent volleyball players. As national team captain, he led the team to victory at the 2025 Pan American Cup, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He also helped secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Copa America. Additionally, he represented Venezuela at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and played professionally in several countries across Europe, Asia, and South America before signing with CV Guaguas to start a new chapter—tragically cut short by this disaster.
Mariangel Pérez, a former Venezuelan women's national volleyball player, competed at the collegiate level in the United States before playing professionally in Greece. She was highly regarded for her talent and dedication to volleyball.
The FIVB expressed condolences to the families of Rivas and Pérez, their teammates, the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation, and the global sports community. They emphasized that the legacy left by Rivas and his wife will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. The Venezuelan Volleyball Federation stated that Rivas's passing is not only a loss of a skilled athlete but also of a leader, teammate, and someone who truly dedicated his life to the national team.