Ecuador’s Defense Minister, Guadalupe Larriva, died in a helicopter crash in the port city of Manta, some 150 miles southeast of Quito. Larriva, 50, along with her 17-year-old daughter, Claudia Avila, and two pilots were killed when two helicopters collided midair.

President Rafael Correa briefly addressed the press, by saying:

“This is a major tragedy. We ask everyone to join us in prayer for the souls of Guadalupe, her daughter, the pilots and the government of Ecuador.”

Larriva was the first appointed female defense minister ever in Ecuador, and she had only been on the job for nine days. Regardless of political views and opinions, this is a truly sad event for Ecuadorians and all Latinos alike.