Three decades after capturing the haunting image of a young girl moments before her death in a mudslide, the photographer has finally spoken out. The photograph, taken during the Nevado del Ruiz volcano eruption in Colombia, has resurfaced repeatedly over the years, bringing renewed heartbreak as people learn about the tragic story behind it.
The girl in the image, 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, became a symbol of the disaster that occurred in 1985. The eruption caused massive landslides and mudslides, which devastated the town of Armero, claiming around 25,000 lives.
Omayra, trapped under debris with half her body submerged in sewage water, fought for survival for 60 hours. Despite rescue efforts, her legs were pinned under a heavy brick door, and she tragically passed away.
The French photographer Frank Fournier, who captured Omayra’s final moments, spoke about the photograph during a lecture at the 2022 Xposure International Photography Festival. His image, which sparked outrage and sorrow across the globe, became a powerful reminder of human suffering and courage.
“For three nights and three days, crushed under layers of debris, a little girl’s voice spoke for the 28,000 who perished,” Fournier reflected. He commended Omayra’s bravery, describing her as an ordinary girl who displayed “a commanding dignity, stunning courage, and relentless kindness” during her final moments.
Fournier emphasized the significance of the image, stating, “The cruel fate of this lost life reminds us of the singularity of human life and the ethical imperative to preserve and protect it.” His words highlight the broader message of human resilience and the moral responsibility to remember and learn from such tragedies.