A Weehawken family is seeking memorial costs after their uncle died after two massive earthquakes shook Venezuela at the end of last month.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“On June 26, 2026, two devastating earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 shook Venezuela, leaving the country in chaos. At least 50,000 people are missing so far, and the US Geological Survey estimates a 42% probability of between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths,” the GoFundMe page description says.
“Habib Chayeb is among the many thousands missing. His building Rompemar II completely collapsed in Carabadella, La Guaira. While my family in Venezuela is boots on the ground in looking for my uncle, I’m here in USA trying to raise funds to support their efforts in finding him and assisting their community.”
After 12 days where $5,400 were raised towards a $7,000 goal, Stephanie Negrotti posted that Chayeb’s body was recovered.
The family then held a memorial for him on Tuesday, recognizing him as a nature and ocean lover, as well as a wise guide for his family and friends who firmly believed in living in the moment. Chayeb was 72 years old.
“We honor his memory as a father, grandfather, family member and community member. He truly was a happy man in La Guaira, and enjoyed sunsets with views of the marina and the mountains from his apartment. We carry his memory and love in our hearts,” Negrotti wrote.
In addition to covering his memorial expenses, the GoFundMe will be supporting recovery efforts in Carabadella, one of the hardest hit area in Venezuela.
Why is this any news in HC? Why don’t they ask their own government for help?