Xàbia to Repatriate Hero Who Died Trying to Save Neighbours

In a gesture of solidarity and support following the tragic fire at Jávea Park in the Arenal area on Thursday afternoon, Xàbia Council has announced that it will cover the costs of repatriating the body of one of the victims to his native Colombia. The man lost his life while trying to save his neighbours from the blaze. The municipality will also fund travel expenses so his wife and children can accompany him and say their final farewell in their homeland.

Gerson had lived in Xàbia for more than five years. According to witnesses, he was initially safe. But when he realized that other residents were still trapped inside, he went back into the burning building to help them. He did not make it back out. His courage helped save several lives, but his loss has left his family devastated.

It has now been revealed that Xàbia Mayor, Rosa Cardona, has personally informed his widow Paola that Xàbia will apay for plane tickets so that she and her children can accompany Gerson’s body to Colombia and say their final farewell in his homeland.

In an official statement, the town hall confirmed that the mayor met with the family earlier that day. During the meeting, she expressed her condolences in person and conveyed the municipality’s full institutional support to Gerson’s widow and their two children, highlighting his “merit and bravery” in giving his life to save his neighbours.

The family had initially requested assistance with repatriation and support throughout the process. The council stated that it is coordinating directly with them to fulfill their wishes. A fundraising campaign had first been launched on GoFundMe to cover repatriation costs which, at the time of writing, had already raised almost 4,700 euros. However, following the town hall’s announcement, the campaign will be deactivated, as the municipality will assume those expenses.

Gerson’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and the swift handling of the necessary arrangements. They confirmed that the funds raised through GoFundMe will instead be used to cover funeral expenses in Colombia, allowing them to organize his farewell in his homeland.

A funeral mass was also be held in Xàbia, giving friends and neighbours the opportunity to pay their final respects before his body is returned to Colombia.

In recognition of Gerson’s sacrifice, the local council will present a proposal at the next municipal plenary session to award him a medal and honourary distinction posthumously. The proposal will also extend honours to the emergency services and security forces who responded to the fire and, according to the council, “gave and risked their lives to save several residents”.

The announcement forms part of a broader municipal statement thanking the public for their solidarity, their respectful participation in Friday’s midday minute of silence, and the unity shown during what officials described as an especially difficult time. The town hall has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all those affected and pledged to continue working alongside emergency services and relevant authorities to ensure care, safety, and ongoing assistance.