IVHF Mourns the Loss of Willner Rivas, Mariángel Pérez and their Son Theo

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame joins the global volleyball community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of Venezuelan men's national team captain Willner Rivas, his wife and former Venezuelan national team player Mariángel Pérez, and their young son, Theo, following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Their passing has left the international volleyball community mourning the loss of a remarkable family whose lives were dedicated to the sport.

Willner Rivas emerged as one of the defining figures of Venezuelan men's volleyball. A dynamic outside hitter and captain of the national team, he proudly represented his country on courts around the world while competing professionally in Europe, Asia, and South America. His leadership, competitive spirit, and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

Among his many accomplishments, Rivas guided Venezuela to the 2025 Pan American Cup championship, where he was recognized as the tournament's Most Valuable Player. He also helped his nation earn a bronze medal at the inaugural Copa America and was selected to the tournament's Dream Team. His recent signing with Spanish champions CV Guaguas reflected the continued growth of a career that was still reaching new heights.

Mariángel Pérez also represented Venezuela with distinction as a member of the women's national team. Following her collegiate career in the United States, she continued playing professionally in Greece while inspiring others through her passion for volleyball and unwavering dedication to the game.

The volleyball world has lost not only two exceptional athletes, but also a young family whose future held so much promise. Their impact extended far beyond victories and medals, touching countless lives through their love of the sport and their commitment to representing Venezuela with pride.

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame extends its heartfelt condolences to the Rivas and Pérez families, their friends, teammates, the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We also stand with all those whose lives have been forever changed by the earthquakes in Venezuela.

During moments like these, the global volleyball family is reminded that our connections reach far beyond the court. We honor the memories of Willner, Mariángel, and Theo, and we hope their legacy of dedication, perseverance, and love for volleyball will continue to inspire generations to come.