Support Bañuelos & Reyes Families' Recovery

Help the Bañuelos & Reyes Families After the Tragic Balloon Fire on Mother’s Day

On Mother’s Day morning—May 11, 2025 around 8:15am a hot air balloon ride meant to bring joy turned into a life-altering tragedy in Enrique Estrada, Zacatecas, Mexico.

Lucio Bañuelos Dorado, a devoted husband and father of three children, was inside the balloon basket with his two daughters (ages 10 and 8), alongside Karina Reyes López and her daughter Camila, who was preparing to celebrate her First Communion that day.

The balloon caught fire while still on the ground, just moments after boarding. As the heat intensified, the balloon began lifting off—rising with Lucio, Karina, Camila, and Lucio’s daughters trapped inside. Lucio’s wife was still on the ground at the time, having just handed their daughters up into the basket.

With flames spreading and the balloon about a meter in the air, Lucio and Karina did everything they could to save their daughters—pushing them out one by one. Their brave actions saved the lives of Camila and Lucio’s daughters. Sadly, Camila suffered burns on her arm, and Karina sustained serious burns to her face and injuries to her body from the fall.

Karina was able to jump from the balloon when it was approximately 4 meters in the air, saving her life but leaving her badly injured.

Lucio, however, stayed behind, trying to hang onto the balloon’s rope as it continued to rise. He fought for his life, holding on in mid-air until he no longer could. He tragically fell—dying on impact, his body left broken from the fall.

Lucio gave his life to save his daughters. He died a hero, a man of deep love, courage, and selflessness. He was only 40 years old, and leaves behind a wife and three children who are now facing this devastating loss.

To make matters worse, every person responsible for operating the balloon fled the scene. They abandoned the balloon, the truck, and all materials—and have refused to respond or take any accountability. The families have received no justice and no support from those responsible.

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We are raising funds to support these two families through this tragedy:

• Funeral and burial expenses for Lucio Bañuelos Dorado

• Medical care and recovery for Karina Reyes López and Camila

• Ongoing support for Lucio’s grieving wife and children

Your donations will go directly toward helping these families begin the long journey of healing after a tragedy that no one should ever have to face. Whether you can give, share, or pray—your support matters more than words can express.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.