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Tragedy Strikes Again: Remembering Álvaro Mangino Schmid, the Last True Survivor of the Andes
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world bids farewell to Álvaro Mangino Schmid, one of the last heroic figures from the infamous 1972 Andes plane crash. The survivor passed away in Montevideo at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy that embodies the resilience and grit of the human spirit.
This news, shared by the Old Christians Club on social media, sends shockwaves through the community that once celebrated his incredible survival story. The institution stated,
“The community of the Stella Maris College and the Old Christians Club lament with deep pain the loss of Álvaro Mangino Schmid.”
A Harrowing Tale of Survival Against All Odds
On that fateful day of October 13, 1972, the Fairchild plane, carrying members of the Old Christians Rugby Club, plunged into the treacherous Andes, an event forever etched in history as a chilling reminder of nature’s fury. The tragedy claimed the lives of 13 of the 40 crew members on impact, with many succumbing to injuries and the brutal cold in the days that followed. An avalanche on October 29 only exacerbated the devastation, proving that survival was a distant hope.
Yet 16 brave souls defied the odds, enduring a grueling 72 days amidst the snow and despair before their miraculous rescue in late December. These survivors, including Mangino, became the stuff of legends, showcasing the power of hope and flesh against bone-chilling adversity.
Marking the End of an Era: The Survivor Count Dwindles
As of now, only 13 of the original 16 survivors remain. The significant losses of Mangino Schmid (2025), ‘Car’ Inciarte (2023), and Methol (2015) remind us of the fragility of life and the incredible bond forged in the face of death. The remaining survivors include warriors like Gustavo Zerbino, Fernando Parrado, and Roberto Canessa, who stand as testaments to the courage and fortitude that redefined survival.
The memory of Álvaro Mangino Schmid will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him and in the annals of history, a glorious saga of triumph, loyalty, and unyielding human spirit in a land that tested their very existence.
As we reflect on these monumental events, let us honor the legacy of the survivors, whose tales serve as reminders of what it means to be truly alive in the face of unthinkable odds.
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