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Rafael “El Vasco” Echavarren Vázquez

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Rafael “El Vasco” Echavarren Vázquez

Birth
Montevideo, Uruguay
Death
18 Nov 1972 (aged 22)
Departamento de Malargüe, Mendoza, Argentina
Burial
Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Rafael Echavarren Vázquez, known as "El Vasco Echavarren" for his Basque heritage, was born on August 20, 1950, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He received his early education from the Jesuit Fathers at the Sacred Heart College (Seminary) and actively participated in the La Cachila Rugby Club.

During a trip to the Andes, invited by Gilberto Regules, he encountered a severe accident resulting in a profound wound on his calf that exposed the bone. Throughout the survival period post-accident, his mobility was restricted, and he relied on the hammocks crafted by Roberto Canessa for the injured.

Despite his injuries, Rafael's unwavering faith and positive mindset served as a source of strength for his companions, who fondly recall his sincerity, joy, and optimism. He consistently reaffirmed his determination to return, uplifting and motivating others.

However, despite his resilience, his health gradually declined. Even while maintaining his positive outlook, he shared his final wishes with his companions before his passing on November 18, 1972, at the young age of 22.

Rafael Echavarren was the sole individual among those who perished in the Andes Mountains to be laid to rest in Montevideo. His father, alongside Gustavo Nicolich's father, retrieved his body from the mountains for burial in the family mausoleum.

In the film "The Society of the Snow," the character of Rafael Echavarren is portrayed by Argentine actor Benjamín Segura.
Rafael Echavarren Vázquez, known as "El Vasco Echavarren" for his Basque heritage, was born on August 20, 1950, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He received his early education from the Jesuit Fathers at the Sacred Heart College (Seminary) and actively participated in the La Cachila Rugby Club.

During a trip to the Andes, invited by Gilberto Regules, he encountered a severe accident resulting in a profound wound on his calf that exposed the bone. Throughout the survival period post-accident, his mobility was restricted, and he relied on the hammocks crafted by Roberto Canessa for the injured.

Despite his injuries, Rafael's unwavering faith and positive mindset served as a source of strength for his companions, who fondly recall his sincerity, joy, and optimism. He consistently reaffirmed his determination to return, uplifting and motivating others.

However, despite his resilience, his health gradually declined. Even while maintaining his positive outlook, he shared his final wishes with his companions before his passing on November 18, 1972, at the young age of 22.

Rafael Echavarren was the sole individual among those who perished in the Andes Mountains to be laid to rest in Montevideo. His father, alongside Gustavo Nicolich's father, retrieved his body from the mountains for burial in the family mausoleum.

In the film "The Society of the Snow," the character of Rafael Echavarren is portrayed by Argentine actor Benjamín Segura.

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