Santa Cruz declares two days of mourning for Virreira brothers

The government of Santa Cruz has decreed two days of provincial mourning following the deaths of brothers José and Leo Virreira, aged 12 and 10. The children were found lifeless in the Palermo Aike area after a five-day search operation.

The boys had disappeared on Sunday after being swept away by the current of the Gallegos River. The search involved police, firefighters, specialized rescue teams, civil protection personnel, and local residents.

Under Resolution RESFC-2026-93-E-SANTACRUZ-JGM, national and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings during the mourning period. The provincial government expressed its condolences to the Virreira family and the broader community, including the children's educational and sporting circles.