The family of Omar Verdecia Fernández, the sole survivor of a devastating car accident in Uruguay in late June, is seeking financial assistance to cover his medical expenses during hospitalization. Verdecia, 39, sustained severe injuries when the van he was traveling in collided head-on with an oncoming car at kilometer 160 on Route 3 in the Uruguayan department of Flores on June 25, according to preliminary reports.
The Cuban national was urgently transported to a hospital in the city of Trinidad with multiple injuries, including fractures of 10 ribs, a fractured hip, and liver lacerations. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover his medical expenses.
The plea for help highlights that Verdecia "requires numerous surgeries and does not have medical insurance as he is not a resident of Uruguay." The family expressed their gratitude: "We thank each friend or family member who can offer financial support, no matter how small, every dollar counts." The goal is to raise $4,000 to cover Verdecia's medical care.
"Thank you for your kindness and for offering hope to this individual who, like millions of Cubans, left Cuba seeking a better future for his family," the statement concludes.
Initial reports from the accident indicated that the driver of the vehicle Verdecia was in and the occupants of the other car—a 51-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman—died at the scene. Local media reported that the victims were trapped in the vehicles and had to be rescued by firefighters.
However, according to Cuban journalist Niover Licea, the death toll from the incident had risen to 10, although this information has not been confirmed.
Several Cubans have been involved in fatal accidents in Uruguay over the past year. Haila Fiol Daudinot, a 19-year-old, died last Friday from severe head trauma after her motorcycle collided with a truck in the city of Maldonado on July 3.
Ricardo Cabrera Enoa, a young Cuban doctor, also lost his life in a traffic accident in April. In July 2023, a fire in the home where they lived claimed the lives of brothers Eduardo and Bryan Cruz Pérez, aged 21 and 23, in the city of Pando, part of the metropolitan area of Montevideo.
A large community of Cubans currently resides in Uruguay, many of whom are trying to resolve their immigration status. In mid-June, the government signed a decree to grant legal status to approximately 20,000 people, mostly Cubans, who are living irregularly in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Survivor's Medical Aid
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the medical assistance for Omar Verdecia Fernández, the Cuban survivor of the Uruguayan accident.
What injuries did Omar Verdecia Fernández sustain?
Omar Verdecia Fernández suffered severe injuries, including fractures of 10 ribs, a fractured hip, and liver lacerations.
How can people help with Verdecia's medical expenses?
People can help by donating to the GoFundMe page set up by Verdecia's family to raise $4,000 for his medical expenses.
Why doesn't Verdecia have medical insurance?
Verdecia does not have medical insurance because he is not a resident of Uruguay.
What was the initial death toll from the accident?
Initial reports indicated that three people died at the scene, but later information suggested the death toll could be as high as 10.