Full Breakdown
Van Der Dijs Band Members Killed in La Guaira Earthquake
6/30/2026, 3:56:44 AM
Tragedy in La Guaira: Band Perishes Amid June 24 Earthquake
On June 24 2026 a strong earthquake struck Venezuela’s northern states, causing building collapses in Caracas and La Guaira and leaving thousands dead or injured. While rehearsing in the Costamar II building in La Guaira, the four-member nu-metal group Van Der Dijs was trapped when the structure gave way. The victims have been identified as vocalist Manuel Van Der Dijs, guitarist Gabriel Gómez, bassist Xander Hernández, and drummer Abraham Foucault. Their bodies were recovered from the rubble in the days that followed.
Band Profile and Emerging Influence
Formed in 2024, Van Der Dijs quickly rose in Venezuela’s nascent heavy-metal scene, mixing nu-metal with rap-rock. The group gained national attention after performing at the New Bands Festival and later at the El Hades showcase organized by the Center for Modern Art and Culture (CCAM). Their energetic stage presence and collaborative spirit were praised by peers, positioning them as a leading act in a genre still seeking broader acceptance.
Official Response from the Center for Modern Art and Culture (CCAM)
CCAM expressed deep sorrow, noting that the band’s vibrant energy and commitment to making a lasting artistic impact will be remembered in the institution’s legacy.
Public Reaction and On-the-Ground Tributes
Fans, friends, and fellow musicians posted grief messages on Twitter and Instagram, sharing memories and urging support for the victims’ families. The outpouring underscored the band’s strong connection with its audience and prompted calls for memorial concerts.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
All sources agree on the four victims’ identities, but phrasing differs on Xander Hernández’s extraction, with one account noting he was pulled alive before dying. The overall national death toll remains unspecified, leaving a gap in publicly released casualty figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “] The band strongly attracted attention in the music scene after participating in the prestigious New Bands Festival.” — CCAM
- “[…] The band strongly attracted attention in the music scene after participating in the prestigious New Bands Festival. […] In the history of CCAM, their talent and, above all, their overflowing energy, their friendliness, and their desire to leave their mark on the stage with their music will remain.” — CCAM
- “The four members of Van Der Dijs , a Venezuelan nu metal band, died after a building collapsed during the earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday, the 24th.” — Wikimetal
- “ The earthquakes that struck Venezuela caused buildings to collapse in the cities of Caracas and La Guaira in the north of the country.” — Wikimetal
- “Fans, friends and the band’s peers have been sharing tributes to the fallen musicians across social media since word broke of the sad news.” — Últimas Noticias
Future Memorials and Community Plans
Local venues have announced plans for memorial concerts and fundraising events to support the families of the deceased. The June 27 show was cancelled, but organizers intend to hold tribute performances later in the year to honor Van Der Dijs’s contribution to Venezuelan music.
