Colombia earthquake kills former basketball star Juan Barrios

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, causing significant casualties and damage across several regions, including Cali. At least 250 people have reportedly died following the tremor.

The sporting community in Colombia is mourning the loss of Juan “Juancho” Barrios, a former member of the Colombian national basketball team, coach, and educator at Colegio INEM in Cali. The Colombian Basketball Federation confirmed his death, honoring his legacy as a key figure in the sport during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

In addition to the casualties in the basketball community, concerns have been raised regarding professional footballer Miguel Palacios. Arturo Reyes, coach of the club Deportivo Pereira, reported that Palacios has been missing since leaving training. Efforts are underway by teammates and club members to locate him in his neighborhood.