On October 28, players, staff and supporters of Liverpool were rocked by the news from Luis Diaz's home country of Colombia that the winger's parents had been kidnapped.
The club confirmed they were aware of an "ongoing situation" involving the family of the player, but after 12 days, it appears the tumultuous situation is at an end.
While Diaz's mother was returned home the day after the incident, his father remained in custody of the rebel group for over a week. However, on November 9, reports came through that his father had been released as well.
Diaz spent time away from the club, missing two Liverpool matches in order to handle the emotionally taxing situation. He returned to the field against Luton Town on November 5, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a point for the Reds in Premier League play.
The Sporting News provides the latest on the developing situation here.
MORE: Luis Diaz rescues point for Liverpool against Luton with stoppage-time goal
What happened to Luis Diaz's parents?
Luis Diaz's parents were kidnapped by assailants from the rebel group National Liberation Army (ELN) sometime on the evening of October 28. Reports indicate that Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, and his father, Luis, were approached at a gas station in Barrancas, Colombia and taken hostage.
While his mother was rescued and returned home the following day, his father remained in custody. Colombian police began a large search effort nicknamed "Operation Padlock", which included the closure of roads that led out of La Guajira, with a reward of up to 200 million pesos ($48,500/£40,000) posted for anybody providing information that led to his release.
On November 4, ELN issued a statement indicating that they regretted the kidnapping and were working to put together a safe and peaceful release. "The capture of Luis Diaz's father by the Northern War Front was a mistake," ELN commander Antonio Garcia wrote on messaging platform Telegram. "Lucho is a symbol of Colombia — that is how we in the ELN feel about him.
"We hope that the operational situation on the ground can be resolved. This is the guidance that the commanders have to expedite the release."
On November 9, a full 12 days after the original incident, reports of his father's release came through.
Is Luis Diaz back playing for Liverpool?
Luis Diaz missed two matches while out to handle his parent's kidnapping. He was not in the squad for a Premier League match on October 29, and also missed an EFL Cup fourth-round game against Bournemouth on November 1.
Diaz returned to the Liverpool matchday squad to face Luton Town on November 5 and played a pivotal role as he saved the Reds from suffering defeat.
"Lucho" scored the equalising goal deep into added time and lifted his shirt to reveal a message in support of his father.
What Luiz Diaz and Jurgen Klopp have said
After his goal against Luton, Diaz released the following statement: "Today, it's not the footballer speaking. Today, Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, is speaking.
"Mane, my dad, is a tireless worker, the pillar of our family, and now he's kidnapped.
"I ask ELN to release my father as soon as possible. I also ask the international associations to intervene for his freedom.
"Every second, every minute, we're more worried; my mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed, and we've no words to describe what we're feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back at home.
"I beg you to release my father right now, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we ask you to reconsider your actions and allow us to have him back.
"I want to thank all Colombians and also the international community for your support, thank you also for the displays of affection and solidarity in such a difficult moment — one that many families live through in my country."
In his post-match press conference, Diaz's manager Jurgen Klopp hailed his character and reflected on how emotional it was.