Influencer, Partner and Father Killed Trying to Rescue Drowning Woman In Chile

Ben Wood, an American food and craft beer influencer living in Chile, his partner, and his visiting father were all killed this week while attempting to rescue a woman who appeared to be drowning.

Wood, his partner Maria Jose “Pepa” Duarte, his father Norman Wood, and Patricia del Pilar Bello Labe—a 26-year-old woman struggling to swim off the coast of Algarrobo, Chile—all died Monday in the tragic event. The woman's partner, Felipe Hernández Bustos—who also jumped into the water to try and save her—was the only survivor.

Family Explains Tragedy

Wood's mother, and wife to the influencer's 77-year-old father, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an interview with theNew Haven Register on Thursday. She said that her husband was visiting their son in Chile and, as told to her by authorities, while walking on the beach with Wood and Duarte, they saw a woman in distress in the water.

Calling her husband a “strong, strong swimmer” who used to also be a lifeguard, Charlotte Wood said he went in after the woman. “My son, his instinct would have been to run right after his father,” she added.

According to local outlet O Globo, citing authorities, the four victims died from drowning, with Wood and his father perishing “almost immediately.” Duarte, 43, was reportedly pulled from the water alive, but died at the hospital. Bustos was named as the only survivor, after being pulled from the water by helicopter.

Wood's Daughter Speaks Out

Wood has nearly 38K followers on Instagram, where he often shared videos showing himself tasting local beer and burgers. According to his mother, he grew up in Connecticut, married a woman from Chile and moved there himself after they got divorced so he could be close to their daughter. There, he eventually became a partner for both a burger bar and beer company.

Wood's daughter took to his Instagram page on Wednesday to share a tribute to her late family members.

“March 9th will be dedicated to you, a day to remember how you gave your lives for others, just as you did so many times before,” she added. "I hope to see all our friends (my honorary aunts and uncles) during these days—days of sorrow, but also of celebration. I love you all the way to heaven.”

Wood's most recent Instagram posts have also been flooded with messages of condolences from friends and followers.

“RIP my friend. You are an amazing guy,” read one comment. “May you rest in peace dear Ben! ????️???? A brotherly hug to his family! ????????” wrote another follower.

“All three are HEROES,” someone else commented. “A tremendous shame, they gave their lives for others and that is honorable ❤️ ???? My condolences to all their family members ????️????”