Daniel Fernández Strauch, a prominent figure among the survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash, passed away on May 8, 2025, in his hometown of Montevideo, Uruguay, at the age of 79. His life and experiences were marked by resilience and a profound sense of humanity, which he shared with the world through his story of survival.
Strauch was one of the 16 survivors of the tragic accident involving Uruguayan Air Force flight 571, which crashed in the Andes mountains on October 13, 1972. The flight was transporting members of the Old Christians rugby club to a match in Santiago, Chile, when it encountered severe weather conditions and ultimately crashed into the mountains.
In the aftermath of the crash, 13 of the 40 passengers died instantly, and others succumbed to injuries and extreme cold in the following days. The remaining survivors faced harrowing conditions, battling freezing temperatures that dropped to -30 degrees Celsius at altitudes nearing 4,000 meters above sea level. They were stranded without sufficient food, shelter, or proper clothing.
Gustavo Zerbino, a fellow survivor and close friend of Strauch, recalled him as a “great friend, father, and grandfather.” He described Strauch as a bastion of strength during their 72-day ordeal, where survival often meant making unimaginable choices. Zerbino reflected, “As one of the oldest, he brought peace and tranquility to the group.”
During their time in the mountains, Strauch, along with his cousins Fito and Eduardo, undertook the grim task of dissecting the bodies of their deceased companions to sustain the living. In a poignant interview with journalist Jordi Évole, Strauch explained that only the three of them knew the identities of those whose bodies they used as food, a decision made to spare the others from additional suffering.
Despite the traumatic nature of their experience, Strauch emerged from the mountains with a story to tell. In 2012, he published a book titled "Regreso a la montaña: una guía de supervivencia espiritual," where he shared insights and reflections on his harrowing journey and the lessons learned from it.
Juan Antonio Bayona, the director of the film "La sociedad de la nieve," which dramatized the events of the crash and the survivors' ordeal, paid tribute to Strauch on social media. Bayona wrote, “Daniel left us, but not without fighting, as he did all his life, setting an example. Listening to him gave you energy. He was a man of few words, speaking only when necessary. But that dryness was merely a shield to protect a giant heart.”
In his heartfelt message, Bayona also shared one of the last photographs taken with Strauch in October 2024, after the film’s release, which won 12 Goya awards, including Best Film. Bayona noted, “Of all the survivors of the Andes, he was one of the most emotional when speaking. What humanity he had! In the mountains, he had to take on a very difficult role, and he did it because someone had to. It was an honor to know him and spend time with him. Thank you infinitely for everything. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Actor Francisco Romero, who portrayed Strauch in Bayona's film, also expressed his condolences, sharing a photo of them together. Romero wrote, “What a difficult task it is to find words. Thank you for sharing your incredible story and that of your friends, and for leaving us so much. How lucky I was to know you, to portray you, and to listen to you. A beautiful journey, dear Daniel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
As of now, only 12 survivors remain from the tragic event that unfolded over half a century ago. The recent passing of Strauch adds to the losses experienced by this group, including Álvaro Mangino Schmid, who died on March 29, 2025, José Luis ‘Coche’ Inciarte in 2023, and Javier Methol in 2015.
The film “La sociedad de la nieve” has been described as a “credible and emotional portrait of the horror experienced during the air disaster in the Andes,” according to critic Carlos Boyero. It captures the profound struggles faced by the survivors, highlighting their enduring spirit and the bonds formed in the face of adversity.
The tragedy of the Andes remains a powerful narrative of survival against all odds, and Strauch's legacy will live on through the stories he shared and the lives he touched. His journey from the depths of despair to a life of reflection and teaching serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
As the world remembers Daniel Fernández Strauch, his story continues to inspire those who hear it, reminding us of the strength found in community, the importance of hope, and the profound impact of sharing our experiences with others.
