A photographer has spoken publicly about one of the most haunting images of the 20th century—showing a young girl moments before her death during the 1985 Armero tragedy in Colombia—more than 35 years after taking it.
The disaster
The image came from the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano on November 13, 1985. The eruption triggered deadly mudflows that destroyed the town of Armero, killing an estimated 25,000 people.
Omayra’s final hours
The photograph shows 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez Garzón, who was trapped under debris with her lower body submerged in contaminated water. Despite rescue efforts, her legs were pinned beneath rubble, and she died after being trapped for about 60 hours.
The photographer’s reflection
French photographer Frank Fournier captured Omayra’s final moments. Speaking in 2022, he described her suffering and strength: “For three nights and three days… lay crushed under layers upon layers of fallen wall, a voice was to speak in the name of 28,000.” He praised her “commanding dignity, a stunning courage and a relentless kindness.”
Meaning of the image
Fournier said the photo carries a lasting moral message. He called Omayra’s death “the singularity of human life at all costs,” adding: “It is not only a practical, but ethical, political, imperative, as each individual has a right to life for the gain of everyone.”
