Amauris Romero Despaigne, a Cuban who was reported missing in April in Cancun, Mexico, has been found dead, according to social media posts.
"A few days ago, I made a post asking people to share, so we could find Amaury. He was in Cancun, Mexico, and unfortunately, he was found, but not alive..." announced Cuban Yaite Lazo on Facebook this Monday.
"Rest in peace, brother from Isla de la Juventud. You couldn't fulfill your dreams," she lamented in her heartfelt message. "This is the risk every Cuban takes, leaving behind family and friends, searching for a better future. I'm very sorry. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to family and friends. A warm hug from afar, and I ask for mercy and compassion, my almighty God, for my family and other Cubans in Mexico."
Romero, originally from Isla de la Juventud, was last seen on April 30 in Cancun's port, in Quintana Roo. That day, he left for work during his usual hours, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. After finishing, he headed to his rented accommodation but never arrived, according to a post by AnDef Lescaille Leyva, who was a neighbor of the young man in Cuba, in the Facebook group "Cubanos en Cancún-1."
Distressed by his disappearance, family and friends raised alarms on social media and made an urgent call to the community for information to help find him. Mexican pages also echoed the incident.
However, it wasn't until this week that the tragic outcome was revealed. The circumstances surrounding Romero's death remain unknown, although his relatives mentioned he was in Mexico as part of his migration journey to the United States.
Romero's death adds to the long list of Cubans who have lost their lives while trying to reach the U.S. in search of better opportunities, escaping the severe systemic crisis in Cuba.
Recent reports indicate that several Cubans have died in traffic accidents, from natural causes, or have been murdered, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants from the island as they attempt to rebuild their lives elsewhere.
Last month, 26-year-old Eric Marcos Reyes Pupo from Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, was shot and killed in Mexico. He had arrived there hoping to enter the U.S. and start anew with his mother.
Erenia Victoria Escalona, 34, from Manzanillo, Granma, also died before reuniting with one of her children. She was a victim of a traffic accident at Mexico City's International Airport (AICM) in May.
In March, Enrique Gousson Cabrera, 52, and Margarita Bea Martínez, 53, a Cuban couple from Havana, were fatally struck by a car while riding a motorcycle in Paramaribo, Suriname.
A father from Santiago de Cuba was also stabbed to death in Mexico, where he had been waiting for two years for his CBP One appointment to enter the United States.
Risks Faced by Cuban Migrants
The tragic death of Amauris Romero Despaigne in Cancun highlights the perils faced by Cuban migrants. Here are some frequently asked questions related to the risks and challenges they encounter.
What are the main dangers Cuban migrants face while trying to reach the United States?
Cuban migrants face several dangers, including traffic accidents, natural causes, and violent crimes. The journey is fraught with risks as they navigate through unfamiliar and often hostile territories.
Why do so many Cubans risk their lives to migrate?
Many Cubans risk their lives to migrate in search of better opportunities and to escape the severe systemic crisis in Cuba. They hope to find safety, stability, and a chance to reunite with family members in other countries.
How can the international community assist Cuban migrants?
The international community can assist Cuban migrants by providing humanitarian aid, legal support, and advocating for safer migration routes. Increased awareness and support can help mitigate the risks and challenges faced by these individuals.