Despite not being part of the Old Christians rugby team, Numa was an enthusiastic athlete, notably playing football for the Loyola team, later renamed Numa Turcatti in his honor starting from the 1973 season.
Numa's roots didn't tie to the Carrasco neighborhood nor Stella Maris College. Instead, he pursued his education at the Seminary College, limiting his acquaintance with most passengers on the Fairchild 571 flight. Invited by his friend Gastón Costemalle, whom he studied law with alongside Pancho Delgado, Numa was traveling to Chile. A committed student and activist, he was close to graduating as a procurator. Despite uncertainties due to a student strike in Montevideo, he decided to undertake the journey.
Following the Andes plane crash, Numa, leveraging his physical strength, joined the group of survivors. He actively engaged in multiple expeditions, including efforts to locate the plane's tail and scaling obstructing mountains. However, a minor leg injury led to a severe infection, impacting his health.
Despite his initial resilience, the infection worsened, leading to his exclusion from subsequent expeditions due to excruciating pain while walking. His declining health, evidenced by loss of appetite and mental fortitude, revealed his struggle.
Numa passed away on December 11, 1972, after surviving 61 days in the mountains, at the age of 25. His selflessness, compassion, and unwavering support were deeply cherished by fellow survivors. His death profoundly affected the group, influencing Roberto Canessa's decision to undertake the final expedition the following day for the rescue of weaker members.
In memory of Numa Turcatti, a passage from the Bible was found in his hand before his demise: "No hay amor más grande que aquel que da la vida por los amigos" (John 15:13).
Numa Turcatti's character is notably portrayed in the film "La Sociedad de la Nieve" (The Society of Snow) directed by J.A. Bayona in 2023, depicted by Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrincic. In the movie "¡Viven!" (Alive), names of deceased individuals were altered out of respect for their families. Though diverging from factual events, the storyline embodies real individuals, with characters like Rafael Cano symbolizing Numa, portrayed by actor Michael DeLorenzo.
Despite not being part of the Old Christians rugby team, Numa was an enthusiastic athlete, notably playing football for the Loyola team, later renamed Numa Turcatti in his honor starting from the 1973 season.
Numa's roots didn't tie to the Carrasco neighborhood nor Stella Maris College. Instead, he pursued his education at the Seminary College, limiting his acquaintance with most passengers on the Fairchild 571 flight. Invited by his friend Gastón Costemalle, whom he studied law with alongside Pancho Delgado, Numa was traveling to Chile. A committed student and activist, he was close to graduating as a procurator. Despite uncertainties due to a student strike in Montevideo, he decided to undertake the journey.
Following the Andes plane crash, Numa, leveraging his physical strength, joined the group of survivors. He actively engaged in multiple expeditions, including efforts to locate the plane's tail and scaling obstructing mountains. However, a minor leg injury led to a severe infection, impacting his health.
Despite his initial resilience, the infection worsened, leading to his exclusion from subsequent expeditions due to excruciating pain while walking. His declining health, evidenced by loss of appetite and mental fortitude, revealed his struggle.
Numa passed away on December 11, 1972, after surviving 61 days in the mountains, at the age of 25. His selflessness, compassion, and unwavering support were deeply cherished by fellow survivors. His death profoundly affected the group, influencing Roberto Canessa's decision to undertake the final expedition the following day for the rescue of weaker members.
In memory of Numa Turcatti, a passage from the Bible was found in his hand before his demise: "No hay amor más grande que aquel que da la vida por los amigos" (John 15:13).
Numa Turcatti's character is notably portrayed in the film "La Sociedad de la Nieve" (The Society of Snow) directed by J.A. Bayona in 2023, depicted by Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrincic. In the movie "¡Viven!" (Alive), names of deceased individuals were altered out of respect for their families. Though diverging from factual events, the storyline embodies real individuals, with characters like Rafael Cano symbolizing Numa, portrayed by actor Michael DeLorenzo.
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