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Patrick Ospina Laid to Rest in Pucará After Río Rímac Rescue Death

He was buried in his hometown following official tributes that recognized his attempt to save a stranded dog.

Overview

  • Police and community ceremonies in Huancayo preceded the burial in Pucará, with the cortege arriving via Jauja and local authorities declaring him a district hero.
  • The National Police granted a posthumous promotion to subofficer first class, with the commander general presenting his cap and the national flag to his mother.
  • The Fire Department held a separate tribute and gave the family a rescue helmet he had long wanted, honoring his dual service as police rescuer and volunteer firefighter.
  • Ospina was swept away on Feb. 20 while trying to reach a dog near the Rayito de Sol bridge; his body was found near the river’s mouth in Callao after a multi‑agency search using drones and helicopters and was examined at the Callao morgue.
  • The Surco municipality will name its municipal pet shelter and a district park after him, as public support grows alongside family appeals for authorities to ensure lasting improvements in rescue resources and protocols.