Photographer Didn’t Save a Dying Girl Trapped in Volcanic Mud Will Break Your Heart

The eruption of Colombia’s Nevado del Ruiz volcano on November 13, 1985, caused one of South America’s deadliest disasters. The town of Armero, home to 29,000 people, was nearly erased, with 20,000 residents perishing. Across the affected areas, the total death toll reached 25,000. Armero was left in ruins and was eventually abandoned.

The Deadly Lahar
The destruction was caused by a deadly mudflow known as a lahar, triggered by the volcanic eruption. The heat from the eruption melted the mountain’s glaciers, sending torrents of mud, ash, and debris rushing down. Armero was hit by three massive lahars, killing many survivors of the initial eruption. The disaster was made worse by the lack of proper evacuation plans, despite earlier warnings from scientists about the eruption’s dangers.

Omayra Sánchez: A Tragic Symbol
One of the most heartbreaking victims was 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez. Trapped in volcanic mud and debris, her story captured worldwide attention. She was stuck for three agonizing days, her legs pinned under her home’s wreckage, with the lifeless arms of her aunt holding onto her feet. Rescuers tried desperately to save her, but it was impossible.

A Haunting Photograph
Photographer Frank Fournier took a photo of Omayra that became a powerful symbol of the disaster. In the photo, Omayra’s bloodshot eyes stood out, filled with courage despite her dire condition. Fournier said the image showed her facing death with dignity. The photograph sparked global outrage and raised awareness about the tragedy.

Why the Photographer Didn’t Help
Fournier faced criticism for not rescuing Omayra. Many questioned why he chose to document the moment instead of helping her. Fournier explained that rescuing her was impossible due to the circumstances. “There were debates about photojournalism, with people calling us vultures,” he said. “But I felt it was important to show the world what was happening.” Fournier believed the image helped raise funds for aid and exposed the failures of the Colombian government.

The Importance of Photojournalism
Fournier defended his decision, emphasizing that his work aimed to tell the truth with integrity. He believed his photo brought global attention to the disaster and the lack of government action. “I think the photo helped highlight the irresponsibility of the country’s leaders,” he said, noting that it also spurred donations from around the world.

Omayra’s Final Moments
In her last hours, Omayra showed incredible strength. Surrounded by reporters and rescuers, she remained calm even as her condition worsened. She hallucinated, mentioning she needed to attend school for a math test. Despite her pain, she asked those around her to rest.

A Farewell to Family
As her strength faded, Omayra spoke her last words: “Mommy, I love you so much, Daddy, I love you, Brother, I love you.” On November 16, 1985, she passed away, likely from gangrene or hypothermia. Her mother survived the disaster and later said, “It is horrible, but we have to focus on the living. I will live for my son, who only lost a finger.”

A Call for Accountability
Omayra’s death and the disaster’s scale led to widespread criticism of the Colombian government for ignoring warnings and failing to evacuate people. Fournier’s photograph remains a haunting reminder of the human cost of inaction. “People still find the image disturbing,” Fournier said. “It shows the lasting impact of this little girl. I was lucky to serve as a bridge to connect people with her story. That’s the magic of photojournalism.”