Mister Venezuela Bids Farewell to Boyfriend Found After 17-Day Search

Lenin Peña, Míster Universo Venezuela 2025, buried his boyfriend Yordy Paredes on Sunday after a 17-day search through the rubble of their collapsed building in La Guaira. The double earthquake on June 24 devastated the coastal region, killing at least 4,490 people and injuring 16,740 Source: Clarin, Listin Diario, Infobae.

The search

Peña, a 30-year-old doctor, was visiting his mother when the earthquake struck. He returned to find their building reduced to debris and began digging alone. Over 17 days, he used Instagram to request tools like an air hammer and electric generator, and eventually formed a team of rescuers, firefighters, and international specialists from El Salvador, Mexico, and Brazil Source: CNN, El Nacional. Despite dwindling odds, Peña said he kept his "faith intact" Source: Infobae. On July 10, he found Paredes' body in the living room, recognizing his fingers. He also recovered a teddy bear he had given Paredes on Valentine's Day Source: Listin Diario.

The loss

At the funeral in Caracas, Peña said, "I know I tried, I found him, but I feel I didn't make it in time. We wanted to last eternity together" Source: Clarin. He added, "He will always be the love of my life" Source: Diario Libre. The story has moved thousands on social media, where Peña documented his daily efforts. The last message from Paredes read: "I love you so much, I will always be by your side, in every corner" Source: Infobae.