The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia reported through a statement that on the afternoon of November 30, the lifeless body of David Alexander Rivas Palacios, an international observer of Salvadoran nationality, was found in the municipality of Palermo, Huíla.
After being taken to Legal Medicine, forensic experts confirmed his identity. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to his wife, children, family, friends, compatriots and co-workers.
Since last Sunday, November 27, local and national authorities deployed search teams to find David, after he got lost in the Tune River while rappelling with a tourism agency, during his day off.
After the tragedy occurred, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia sent a team to the area to closely follow the evolution of the case, as well as to support the search and rescue efforts.
David Alexander Rivas Palacios joined the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia as an international observer in April 2022. David carried out verification functions of the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in the department of Huila, in the area of security guarantees. security for ex-combatants, their families and communities.
His colleagues and friends remember David as a responsible, committed person, dedicated to his work and his family, who always carried out his work with great professionalism. His colleagues and all Mission personnel pay tribute to him for his service in consolidating peace in Colombia