In a tale of indomitable human spirit and unimaginable hardships, Jose Luis Inciarte, one of the 16 survivors of the 1972 Andes crash depicted in the movie “Alive,” has passed away at the age of 75 in his hometown of Montevideo. Fondly known as “Coche,” he was a member of an amateur Uruguayan rugby team traveling to Chile for a match when their plane crashed on October 13, 1972. This article delves into the incredible journey of survival, marked by friendship, resilience, and a powerful testament to the strength of the human will.
The tragic Andes crash initially left 33 out of the 45 people on board clinging to life, stranded on an icy Andean glacier with no food, shelter, or warm clothing. Enduring extreme conditions, the survivors faced a harsh reality, having to resort to consuming the flesh of their deceased teammates to stay alive. As weeks turned into a grueling test of human endurance, only 16 individuals emerged victorious, battling both the elements and their own fears.
Amid the desolation and desperation of Andes crash, a remarkable will to survive prevailed. Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado’s daring determination eventually led them to a river, where they discovered other people, marking their miraculous rescue. This triumph of the human spirit became known as the “Miracle in the Andes” and captured the world’s attention, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of human resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.
The passing of Jose Luis Inciarte has left the surviving group with only 14 individuals, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the toll of the years on their miraculous journey. His friend, Roberto Canessa, spoke with deep sadness about Inciarte’s death from cancer, reflecting on their shared experiences and the bond forged in the face of adversity in the Andes crash.
Another survivor of Andes crash, Javier Methol, had also bid farewell in 2015 at the age of 79 due to cancer, further adding to the bittersweet remembrance of their collective journey.
Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Inciarte’s tenacity extended beyond surviving the harrowing experience. He carved a path of success as an agricultural entrepreneur, cherishing the second chance at life he had been granted. The tragic events on the Andean glacier, while leaving an indelible mark, became a catalyst for embracing life’s opportunities and treasuring moments of hope, solidarity, and friendship.
In 2012, during a trip to Santiago to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the accident of Andes crash, Inciarte reflected on the profound impact of those ten weeks, describing how anguish, suffering, and bone-chilling cold had given way to a story of survival, camaraderie, and a renewed appreciation for life.
The film “Society of the Snow,” directed by Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona, eloquently depicted their remarkable survival story of Andes crash. Paying tribute to his “friend” Inciarte on Instagram, Bayona acknowledged the preciousness of the years he had been given, living each day with purpose and meaning. Inciarte’s life, spanning over half a century beyond the tragedy, exemplifies the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Pablo Vierci, the author of the book on which the film is based, fondly remembered Inciarte as a “good man” whose unwavering support lifted the spirits of those losing hope on the unforgiving mountain. Inciarte’s bravery and composure in the face of death have become an enduring symbol of resilience and fearlessness.
The passing of Jose Luis Inciarte marks the end of a remarkable journey—a testament to the human spirit’s triumph over unimaginable challenges. The “Miracle in the Andes” serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human will, the importance of friendship, and the profound impact of surviving against all odds.
Inciarte’s legacy endures as a hero and a friend who navigated through the darkest of moments, inspiring not only those who shared his journey but also generations to come. As the survivors continue to honor their fallen friends and cherish the memories of their extraordinary feat, Inciarte’s spirit will forever live on, reminding us to embrace life’s opportunities, treasure moments of hope and solidarity, and find strength in the face of adversity.
