A New Jersey woman died in the Colombia earthquake on Monday after she ran back inside a home to rescue her daughter.
Magnolia Garcia-Lugo, of Bergenfield, was visiting the South American country with her family when the earthquake hit the area, according to Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio. After Garcia-Lugo re-entered a home they were staying in to rescue her daughter, the home collapsed on her, Amatorio told NJ.com on Thursday.
Her daughter Natalia, a Bergenfield High School graduate, survived the collapse and is currently hospitalized for an arm injury, the mayor said. Garcia-Lugo's husband and other family members are currently in Colombia. The husband was not in the country on the day of the tragedy, but traveled there after hearing the news.
Mercy Church of God in Bergenfield and other community members are working to assist the family in the wake of the tragedy. A GoFundMe page set up for the families received more than $21,000 in donations as of Friday.
"We are trying to rally the community," Amatorio said. "We are waiting to officially get information from her family so the town can assist with what they need."
Representatives for the church could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. In an interview with 6ABC Action News, Pastor Oscar Castro said he had spoken to Garcia-Lugo's brother, who dug through the rubble to search for her and Natalia.
In a statement earlier this week, Amatorio said the entire community is praying for the family.
"Our hearts are with Magnolia's family and loved ones," the statement said. "The entire Bergenfield community mourns with them and is praying for the recovery of her daughter and strength for the family during this unimaginable tragedy. We also keep all families affected by this tragedy in our thoughts."
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which hit western and northwestern Colombia, has left 273 people dead and more than 3,800 injured, according to a CBS News report.
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