Note from March 18: The purpose of this GoFundMe is now non-urgent, supplemental support. Funding goals for Carolina’s return have been met. This link is live to offer an outlet for those that learn the tragic news of Carolina’s passing later on and still would like to support the family. Please see the updates section for more.

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This GoFundMe is in honor of Carolina Verdugo who passed away unexpectedly on March 10, 2026 in California.

We are raising funds to bring Carito (Carolina) home to Chile in loving support of her family.

Carito loved to travel. One of her biggest dreams was to be in the snow and ski on her birthday, February 14th. This was a big dream as her birthday takes place during Chile’s summer.

This year, Carito celebrated her 36th birthday skiing all day alongside family, old friends and new friends. She couldn’t stop smiling. She didn’t waste a minute. The week after her birthday, California experienced the largest snowstorm of what was an unusually dry winter. She even got to drive in the snow - another lifelong goal.

She loved her family fiercely and constellated many roles in this life — a sister, aunt, niece, cousin, tutor and mentor, a friend, a companion. She was wholeheartedly dedicated to each of these roles in her own passionately stubborn way.

Her family and friends are devastated with this loss. We are incredibly grateful for your support in every form.

Donations will be sent to her sister Francisca Verdugo-Astete to cover the cost of returning Carito home to her waiting family. Funds will also be used to cover funeral expenses and the return home of her brother Vito Verdugo.

Thank you for your time. Thank you for your texts, your cares, for driving all night, for dropping everything to come together and hold this family.

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Con profundo pesar comunicamos el inesperado fallecimiento de nuestra querida hija, hermana, compañera y amiga Carolina Verdugo, ocurrido en Grass Valley, California.

Carito amaba la vida, era luminosa, una gran amiga y muy querida por quienes tuvimos la suerte de compartir con ella.

Su familia se encuentra realizando las gestiones para repatriarla a Chile.

Para poder a Carito a Chile debemos reunir aproximadamente 8.000 dólares. Toda ayuda, por pequeña que sea, es muy valiosa.

Agradecemos profundamente el apoyo y la difusión.