US condo collapse: artist uses his brush to turn Surfside's pain into hope

Muralist Marquez decided he would use his art to help translate pain into hope and resilience. Photo: AP

Roberto Marquez flew from Dallas to Miami nearly two weeks ago, hoping to add his hands to those digging through the rubble of a fallen South Florida condo building. But once there, the muralist was disappointed to hear that his help was appreciated but not needed.

An epic search for victims was already underway by an army of first responders, initially for survivors and now for bodies. As of Friday, at least 79 people had been confirmed dead and dozens remained missing.