Victim of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano which erupted on November 13, 1985 in Armero, Colombia, causing massive lahars which killed nearly 25,000. She was trapped for 3 days in water before she died. Her image was taken by photojournalist, Frank Fournier. The image caused controversy due to the photographer's work and the Colombian government's inaction in working to prevent the Armero tragedy despite the forewarning that had been available, when it was published worldwide after the young girl's death. Omayra Sanchez herself remains in the memory of those who followed her suffering and tragic death. Her grave has become a place of pilgrimage.
Victim of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano which erupted on November 13, 1985 in Armero, Colombia, causing massive lahars which killed nearly 25,000. She was trapped for 3 days in water before she died. Her image was taken by photojournalist, Frank Fournier. The image caused controversy due to the photographer's work and the Colombian government's inaction in working to prevent the Armero tragedy despite the forewarning that had been available, when it was published worldwide after the young girl's death. Omayra Sanchez herself remains in the memory of those who followed her suffering and tragic death. Her grave has become a place of pilgrimage.
