Image Source: The New York Times
Earthquake tragedy has devastated a New Jersey family and church community after Magnolia Garcia Lugo died while trying to save one of her daughters in Colombia, according to relatives and church leaders.
Garcia Lugo, a mother of three from Bergenfield, New Jersey, reportedly escaped after her home began collapsing during the powerful earthquake. Family members said she then made the heartbreaking decision to go back inside for her daughter Natalia.
A wall fell on Garcia Lugo during the rescue attempt, burying her beneath the rubble. Her daughter was also trapped, prompting relatives, church members and local contacts to begin an urgent search through the destroyed home.
Powerful Earthquake Claims NJ Mother in Heroic Rescue Attempt
Ana Castro, the media lead at Mercy Church of God, described the frantic moments after the disaster. She said the family was quickly informed that both Magnolia and Natalia were beneath the collapsed structure.
“They called him and told him they were both under everything, and they couldn’t find Magnolia and that Natalia was still MIA when they called us,” Castro said.
Oscar Fernando Castro, assistant pastor at Mercy Church of God, said Garcia Lugo’s brother is a Church of God pastor in Colombia. He reportedly helped organize the search after learning that his sister was trapped.
“He called me and told me the house came down. He says, ‘My sister is there,’ so he was asking for help, and when they found her, Magnolia passed away,” Oscar Castro said.
A Devastating Loss for Bergenfield’s Faith Community
Garcia Lugo’s death has deeply affected Mercy Church of God, where her family had been involved for decades. Church leaders said she had been a committed member for 22 years and that her daughters, including Natalia, were also active in the congregation.
Ana Castro said Magnolia and her daughters had worked closely with the church team for more than a decade. Her loss, she added, is being felt throughout the congregation.
“It’s a big loss, and we feel it pretty heavily in the church,” Castro said.
The tragedy has also drawn concern from Bergenfield officials. Mayor Arvin Amatorio said borough leaders were prepared to support the family as relatives handled the aftermath and made arrangements for Garcia Lugo’s burial.
“I’ve heard, as of today, Magnolia is going to be buried in her town in Colombia,” Amatorio said.
Family Prepares to Rebuild After Colombia Disaster
Funeral services for Garcia Lugo were scheduled for Wednesday in Colombia. Family members are expected to return to New Jersey without their matriarch and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
The earthquake caused widespread destruction across affected areas, with rescue teams continuing to search damaged buildings and collapsed homes. Related reports described ongoing recovery operations, missing residents and survivors being pulled from the rubble.
Among the rescue stories emerging from the disaster was the recovery of a baby after rescuers heard a faint whisper beneath debris. The accounts have highlighted both the scale of the destruction and the determination of emergency crews and families searching for loved ones.
- Magnolia Garcia Lugo was a Bergenfield mother of three.
- Family members said she returned to a collapsing home to save daughter Natalia.
- A falling wall killed Garcia Lugo during the rescue attempt.
- Mercy Church of God members described her as a longtime and active member.
- Her funeral was scheduled to take place in Colombia.
Church and borough officials are considering ways to help Garcia Lugo’s relatives cope with the loss. Support may include assistance with family needs, memorial efforts and the long-term challenges that follow an international disaster.
For those who knew her, Garcia Lugo’s final act will remain a powerful reflection of a mother’s instinct to protect her child. As rescue operations continue in Colombia, her family and neighbors in Bergenfield are mourning a woman remembered for her faith, service and devotion to her daughters.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Earthquake
Who was Magnolia Garcia Lugo?
Magnolia Garcia Lugo was a mother of three from Bergenfield, New Jersey, and a longtime member of Mercy Church of God.
How did Magnolia Garcia Lugo die?
According to her family and church leaders, she died after returning to a collapsing home to save her daughter Natalia. A wall fell on her during the rescue attempt.
Where will Garcia Lugo be buried?
Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio said Garcia Lugo was expected to be buried in her hometown in Colombia.
How is the Bergenfield community responding?
Mercy Church of God and borough officials are mourning Garcia Lugo and considering ways to support her family as they cope with the loss.
