Photographer behind haunting image of girl with black eyes explained why he didn’t try and save her

In 1985, a terrible disaster struck the town of Armero in Colombia when the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted. The eruption was so powerful that it melted the glaciers on the mountain, creating a fast-moving flood of mud, ash, and water called a “lahar.” This mudflow buried the town and killed thousands of people. Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl named Omayra Sánchez Garzón, whose story touched the hearts of people around the world.

Omayra was just a young girl when the disaster happened. She was trapped under the rubble of her home, stuck in the muddy water for three days. Her legs were pinned under the roof of her house, and the arms of her deceased aunt were wrapped around them, making it impossible for her to move.

Rescuers worked hard to save her, but they couldn’t free her from the wreckage. They did everything they could to comfort her, placing a tire around her to keep her afloat and giving her sweets and drinks to keep her spirits up. Despite the pain and fear, Omayra remained brave. She even spoke lovingly to her family, saying, “Mommy, I love you so much, daddy I love you, brother I love you.”

As the hours passed, Omayra’s condition grew worse. Her eyes turned black from being bloodshot, likely because of the pressure from the rubble and the long time she spent in the cold, dirty water. She began to hallucinate, confused and in pain.

At one point, she asked the people around her to take her to school because she was worried she would be late. It was a heartbreaking moment that showed how young and innocent she was, even in the face of such a terrible situation.

After three days of struggling, Omayra passed away on November 16. Doctors believe she died from hypothermia or gangrene, caused by the cold and the injuries she suffered. When divers later examined the scene, they found that her legs had been trapped under the heavy debris of her home, and her aunt’s arms were still holding onto her. It was a tragic discovery that showed just how impossible it was to save her.

A photographer named Frank Fournier captured a haunting image of Omayra during her final hours. The photo showed her surrounded by water and debris, her blackened eyes staring out at the world. The image shocked people everywhere and became a symbol of the disaster.

Many asked Fournier why he didn’t help her, but he explained that it was impossible to save her. He said his job was to tell her story and show the world what was happening. The photo brought attention to the tragedy and helped raise money for aid, but it also raised questions about why the disaster wasn’t prevented.

Scientists had warned that the volcano might erupt, but the government didn’t have a plan to evacuate the town. Because of this, thousands of people lost their lives. Omayra’s story became a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for strong leadership in times of crisis.

Even today, Omayra’s courage and the photo of her final moments continue to touch people’s hearts. Her story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of disasters and the need to care for one another in times of tragedy. She may have been just a young girl, but her bravery and the image of her struggle will never be forgotten.