Pictures of the Year International

Rossanna Azucena Coché Navichoc, 25, (left) wades into the Rio Grande River while holding onto her partner Widman Alexander Tax Chinic, 26, (center), behind her father Alfredo Navichoc, 45, (right), as they attempt to cross into Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S. Rossanna’s and Widman’s journey of love and hope began when he bought the tortillas she was selling in the Guatemalan village of San Juan La Laguna, on the turquoise Lake Atitlan. It ended five years later in the murky waters of the Rio Grande. The couple drowned as they tried to wade across the notorious part of the river that links Piedras Negras, Mexico, with Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 24, just two among the hundreds of people who lose their lives trying to cross into the U.S. every year. Widman, 26, was the eldest of 10 siblings, known for his quiet nature and respect in the community. Rossanna, 25, dreamed of becoming a chef but lacked the funds for education. They both hoped to work in the U.S. for five years, saving enough to build a home and open a restaurant in Guatemala. While migration numbers have decreased in recent months, increased border security has pushed migrants into more dangerous routes. Rossanna and Widman traveled with a coyote and her father, Alfredo. As they attempted to cross several border security officers yelled at them to turn back. But it was too late for them to return to shore. No boats were launched to save the dying couple and they were swept away by the current. Alfredo and two other migrants survived, but Widman and Rossanna were lost. Rossanna’s body was recovered the next day on the Mexican side of the river. Alfredo identified her and returned to Guatemala. Her body was sent home weeks later. Widman’s body was found on the U.S. side, but it took four months for it to be returned to his family. At the time of his funeral in Yepocapa, Widman’s family carried his casket along the highland roads in a white van, mourning the loss of their son. In Widman’s home, the frame that holds his photo on the mantelpiece is turned backwards, a frame around blank cardboard. His mother is not yet able to face it. It brings her too much pain. Both families struggle with the debt from the journey. Alfredo now works on a farm and helps raise his younger son, Hageo, who will only know his older sister from the photo of her that hangs in their home. The tragic deaths of Rossana and Widman are not just statistics—they are two lives lost to the perilous journey many take in search of a better life, leaving behind families who now carry the weight of sorrow and insurmountable financial debt. Moments earlier the three approached the river at Piedras Negras carrying their belongings, accompanied by a coyote and two other migrants. Rossanna was the last of the group to enter the water. At first she appeared nervous but excited, and Widman laughed as he encouraged her. It soon became clear the current was strong and the group lost their footing and returned to the Mexican side.Then they decided to try again. The mood was more somber. A U.S. National Guard officer arrived on the opposite bank and shouted at them in Spanish through a megaphone to return, telling them the river was dangerous. It was too late. Again, as they reached the center they lost their footing, became separated, and were dragged away by the current. Rossana and Widman were swept downstream by the rushing current and later found dead.