Photographer opens up about volcanic tragedy.
The story of Omayra Sánchez Garzón is one that haunts the world, even decades after her tragic death.
Devastating eruption detailed.
The Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupted on November 13, 1985, triggering a catastrophe of unimaginable scale.
The eruption sent pyroclastic flows racing down the mountain, instantly melting glaciers and creating a deadly lahar—a violent mudflow of volcanic debris.
Devastation of disaster revealed.
The town of Armero, home to nearly 29,000 people, was all but erased in the chaos.
Within hours, about 20,000 residents perished, their homes swallowed by the surging mud.
For those who survived the initial disaster, a slow and agonizing end awaited.
13-year-old Omayra’s story uncovered.
Omayra, just 13 years old, was one of those unfortunate souls.
Trapped beneath the wreckage of her house, she became a symbol of the disaster’s grim aftermath.
Omayra was pinned down by debris and volcanic mud, her legs trapped beneath the collapsed roof of her home.
Futile rescue efforts detailed.
Rescuers arrived, but with no equipment to move the heavy debris, their attempts to free her were futile.
As the hours turned into days, the world watched, transfixed by the image of this young girl facing certain death.
Photographer Frank Fournier arrived on the scene, capturing the haunting photo that would soon become an icon of tragedy.
Haunting photograph exposed.
Omayra’s bloodshot eyes and calm expression reflected the sheer terror and bravery of a child who knew her fate.
She remained conscious, speaking softly to those around her, her words both heartbreaking and haunting.
Heartbreaking final words revealed.
“Mommy, I love you so much, daddy I love you, brother I love you,” she said in her final moments.
As the rescue efforts continued, Omayra began to hallucinate, pleading with Fournier to take her to school.
The innocence of her request—a desperate grasp at normalcy—only made the situation more gut-wrenching.
Photograph sparks outrage.
After three days of agony, Omayra succumbed to hypothermia and gangrene on November 16, 1985.
Fournier’s photograph went viral, sparking international outrage and a barrage of questions.
The image, while powerful, left many asking: why didn’t Fournier help her?
The photographer was criticized, labeled by some as a “vulture,” exploiting tragedy for a shot.
Fournier defends his actions.
Fournier addressed the backlash, explaining to the BBC that it was impossible to rescue Omayra.
“It was impossible,” Fournier stated. “There was nothing we could do except comfort her.”
The duty of truth explained.
His role, he argued, was to document the truth, to bring the world’s attention to the suffering in Armero.
Fournier firmly believed his photograph served a purpose—raising awareness and funds for disaster relief.
“I try to do my job with as much honesty and integrity as possible,” he said, defending his work.
The photo highlighted the failings of Colombia’s leadership and the lack of preparedness for such a disaster.
Scientists had predicted the eruption, yet no evacuation plans were in place, leading to an avoidable catastrophe.
Fournier’s image became a catalyst for debate about the role of photojournalists in such harrowing situations.
He faced public scrutiny, with some questioning the ethics of capturing such a painful moment.
But Fournier stood by his decision, asserting that the photograph connected people to Omayra’s plight.
Despite the controversy, the photograph remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of natural disasters.