Álvaro Mangino, a Uruguayan survivor of the 1972 Andes plane crash, passed away in Montevideo on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 71 after battling pneumonia. His death has sparked renewed interest in the harrowing story of survival that he and 15 others endured following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 29 people.
On October 13, 1972, Mangino was just 19 years old when the Fairchild F-227 plane, carrying the Old Christians Club rugby team and their friends from Montevideo to Santiago, crashed into the Andes mountains at an altitude of around 3,600 meters. Of the 45 passengers on board, only 16 survived the initial impact and the subsequent 72 days of extreme conditions that followed.
The survivors faced freezing temperatures, a lack of food and water, and severe injuries. The situation became dire, leading to some of the most difficult decisions of their lives, including cannibalism. "It was the hardest decision I ever made in my life," Mangino recalled in the book La sociedad de la nieve by Pablo Vierci, which recounts their ordeal and served as the basis for the 2024 film La sociedad de la nieve, directed by Juan Antonio Bayona.
In the wake of his passing, the Old Christians Club expressed their deep sorrow, stating, "The community of Stella Maris College and the Old Christians Club mourn the departure of Álvaro Mangino Schmid." They highlighted the profound impact Mangino had on those around him, both as a survivor and as a person who exemplified resilience and kindness.
According to reports, Mangino had been struggling with health issues related to pneumonia, which he had revealed in February 2024 during promotional activities for La sociedad de la nieve. His portrayal in the film by actor Juan Caruso brought his story to a new generation, reigniting interest in the tragic events of 1972.
Director Bayona paid tribute to Mangino's remarkable survival skills, noting that despite suffering a leg fracture in the crash, he spent the entire 72 days dragging himself through the snow, continuously melting snow to provide water for his fellow survivors. "He will be remembered for never stopping his work in the mountains," Bayona wrote on social media, sharing a photo of Mangino with Caruso.
Reflecting on Mangino’s strength, Caruso shared that Mangino often spoke of drawing strength from his love for his girlfriend, Margarita, whom he later married and with whom he had four children. "He was always very low profile, but he had such a beautiful, rich, and powerful story," Caruso said in an interview last year.
As the years have passed since the crash, Mangino became the third of the 16 survivors to pass away, following Javier Methol in 2015 and José Luis Inciarte in 2023. The tragedy remains a poignant chapter in aviation history, often referred to as the 'Miracle of the Andes' due to the extraordinary survival of the few who managed to endure such harrowing circumstances.
In total, 33 people survived the initial impact of the crash, but only 16 were able to withstand the brutal conditions in the Andes. Rescued between December 22 and 23, 1972, their story has been recounted in various documentaries and books, most notably in Piers Paul Read's 1974 book ¡Viven!, which was adapted into a film in 1993.
The crash was not only a physical trial but also a psychological one, as the survivors grappled with their decisions and the loss of their friends. The impact of the tragedy extended far beyond the mountains, influencing countless lives and inspiring stories of human endurance.
Álvaro Mangino's legacy is one of courage and tenacity in the face of unimaginable adversity. His story continues to resonate, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit. As the world reflects on his life, many will remember the lessons learned from his experiences and the profound impact he had on those who knew him.
With his passing, the memories of the 'Miracle of the Andes' are once again brought to the forefront, prompting discussions about survival, resilience, and the bonds formed in the direst of circumstances. As tributes pour in from around the globe, it is clear that Álvaro Mangino will not be forgotten.
