Carlos Massola, the actor who passed away this Wednesday in Havana, experienced firsthand the censorship and disdain of the Cuban regime. Now, in his final farewell, his body remains at home hours after his death due to the lack of a hearse.
Diego Lázaro García Espinosa, a friend of the deceased artist, reported that hours after Massola's death, his body is still inside his residence, a situation that exacerbates the sorrow of the actor’s mother, according to the news portal CubaNet.
García is handling the arrangements related to the actor’s death, as informed by Massola’s mother to the news website. The actor's friend went to the Infanta Funeral Home, but finding it closed, he was redirected to the one on Zanja. At the second location, he was informed that no hearses were available to transport the body to the chapel and that the service would be delayed.
"Although he was given the authorization for the transfer, hours later no hearse had arrived," reported CubaNet.
García sought the assistance of the firefighters to move Massola due to the size of his body, according to his account, but they responded that they would only assist once the hearse had arrived.
According to his statements: "Massola is in very poor condition at home, he died in a dreadful manner and cannot remain in his room for much longer."
Massola's mother expressed that her greatest wish is for the body to be taken away so she can sit down and process everything that has happened, as she has been waiting with her son for the transfer since the early morning hours.
The Cuban actor passed away this Wednesday in Havana at the age of 62. Fabio Corchado Borroto, a dissident and close friend of Massola, expressed his sorrow over the loss in a Facebook post.
"My brother Carlos Massola has just died. Yesterday he called me saying how bad he felt, and today in the morning, his mother called to tell me about his passing. Rest in peace, my brother. I am devastated," he expressed.
The news shocked the Cuban artist community both inside and outside the island, who mourned the actor's death through social media, sending their condolences to family, friends, and loved ones.
Besides his acting talent, in recent years Massola was a fierce critic of the Cuban regime, which responded by censoring him.
Impact of Carlos Massola's Death and Funeral Delays
The passing of Carlos Massola and the subsequent delays in his funeral arrangements have raised several questions about the current state of funeral services in Cuba. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding this issue.
Why was there a delay in transporting Carlos Massola's body?
The delay was caused by the unavailability of hearses, as reported by Diego Lázaro García Espinosa. The funeral homes faced logistical issues, which led to the body remaining at Massola's residence for several hours.
How has the Cuban artist community reacted to Massola's death?
The Cuban artist community, both on the island and abroad, has expressed their sorrow over Massola's passing through social media. Many have sent their condolences to his family and friends, lamenting the loss of a talented actor and vocal critic of the regime.