Frank Fournier, who photographed Omayra Sánchez after a devastating volcanic eruption, later recalled that he "felt totally powerless in front of this little girl, who was facing death with courage and dignity."
In November 1985, the small town of Armero, Colombia was inundated by a massive mud slide brought on by the eruption of a nearby volcano. Thirteen-year-old Omayra Sánchez was buried in a giant vat of debris and neck-deep water. Rescue efforts were futile and, after three days trapped up to her waist in mud, the Colombian teenager died.
French photographer Frank Fournier, who stayed by the dying girl’s side until she drew her last breath, captured her horrifying ordeal in real time.
This is the tragic story of Omayra Sánchez.
