An elderly Cuban resident of Camagüey, who had been missing since June 14th—the day he went to collect his pension—was found dead this week. A report from the Facebook group Denunciando Crímenes en Cuba revealed that the elderly man, named René and living in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of the city, was hit by a vehicle and taken to Amalia Simoni Provincial Hospital. He remained unidentified during his critical condition until he passed away.
The administrator of the group, Irma Broek, shared a screenshot displaying a message from a neighbor of the victim. "Unfortunately, today René's body was found. They say he was hit by a car and left there, and he was in Amalia. I don't understand how the police work when they said he wasn't in the hospitals," the source wrote.
Several netizens reacted with outrage at the indifference shown by the hospital authorities, the police, social workers, and other agencies that failed to do their jobs properly. "During all these days, his wife, the only person he lived with since they had no children, was not informed. Of course, his death will remain, like thousands of others, unpunished," Irma Broek wrote.
She added that the incident reveals that the police never actually searched for the elderly man in the hospitals, as they claimed, and the expectation is that now they won't look for the person responsible for the hit-and-run. "Rest in peace, my neighbor. It's very sad that he died in such a way, and my condolences to his wife. It's a heavy blow for her," wrote Bárbara Yasneli Cabale.
"What a lack of respect from all sides, because the police clearly didn't do their job, but neither did the hospital staff. How does a hit-and-run victim arrive at a hospital without identification, and they don't report it to the police? They don't do anything to locate the family? What a disaster this country is where no one cares about anything! Rest in peace, poor man," complained an internet user, summarizing the evident inefficiency of all parties involved.
It was previously reported that René's wife is disabled, missing an arm, and her husband was a vital help to her.
Reports of missing Cubans have become increasingly frequent in recent months, along with pleas for help on social networks to obtain information, amid a context of growing violence in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Incident in Camagüey
This section addresses common questions and concerns related to the tragic incident involving the elderly man in Camagüey and the systemic issues it highlights.
What happened to the elderly man named René in Camagüey?
René, an elderly man from Camagüey, was hit by a vehicle and taken to Amalia Simoni Provincial Hospital, where he remained unidentified until he passed away.
How did the authorities and hospital staff handle René's case?
The authorities and hospital staff failed to properly identify René or inform his wife during his critical condition, leading to widespread outrage and criticism.
What systemic issues does this incident highlight?
The incident underscores the inefficiency and indifference of various institutions, including the police and hospital staff, in handling cases of missing persons and emergencies.