A 22-year-old dog owner was killed by a train as she bravely pulled her beloved pet pooch off the tracks.
Juanita Cárdenas Gómez died instantly.
Her older brother, Daniel Gómez revealed she was trying to save their dog.
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He called it “a heroic act driven by her boundless love for animals.”
He said: “She managed to get him off.
“But she didn’t see the train coming properly, as she was crouched down, and no one expected what happened.
“The dog had run off and ended up on the tracks, so she ran to save him, and then the worst happened.”
The train driver has reportedly confirmed Daniel’s version of events.
The horror unfolded in Cajicá, north of Bogotá, Colombia on Saturday (14 Sept).
The locomotive that hit Juanita was a heritage train from the Tren Turístico de la Sabana line.
Juanita was studying social work and was in her seventh term. She also worked for the council as a youth counsellor.
She is survived by her mum, Angélica Gómez, who is a regional assembly member for the Green Party.
Angélica said in a statement: “Today, our family and team are facing a tragedy no one ever expects to experience.
“Juanita brought joy and light to everyone she met. Exceptional and talented, she was a loyal partner in countless dreams and projects.
“She was also a passionate artist who fought for culture, music, dance, and for the rights of young people and women in politics.”
Juanita’s funeral was held in Cajicá on Monday (16 Sep), as reported by Need To Know.
She is also survived by her father, William Ricardo Cárdenas.
He said at her send-off: “It’s never easy to bury a child, especially a daughter as wonderful as Juanita.
“I searched for the right words to describe her, and all I could find were, ‘Great and strong.’
“A woman who, despite her young age, accomplished so much.”
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