The Mandatory Military Service in Cuba has claimed another life, leaving the town of Baracoa (Guantánamo) in shock. Flavio Raúl Alonso Piedra, a 20-year-old recruit, was found dead at his guard post just three months before completing his service in the Armed Forces. He was about to turn 21 on August 24.
People close to the young man do not believe the official version given by the military prison where he was serving. The family was told he had hanged himself with his belt, despite having an AKM rifle in his hands, which he could have used to shoot himself. The guard post is also at a considerable height, making it possible to jump, yet the unit commanders insist he hanged himself. "They found him kneeling, with his head back and his eyes wide open," said a family acquaintance.
His mother, who was the first to see him, struggled to close his wide-open eyes. "He looked scared, as if surprised by something he had seen," added the same source. Flavio Alonso Piedra had no psychological problems and was not feeling down. He used to go out on weekends and had plans to attend a friend's birthday party this Friday. "He had bought new clothes and was excited for Friday to come," said another source.
Flavio Alonso's body was discovered on the morning of Wednesday, August 8. The family held a wake at their home on Thursday, August 9, until 2 PM when the body was taken to a facility to be kept frozen, awaiting the arrival of his brother, Pavel Alonso Piedra, who traveled from the United States via Holguín for the funeral.
Flavio Alonso's father received the tragic news in Camagüey, where he had gone to accompany a relative to the doctor. In Baracoa, only the mother and the elderly great-grandmother were present. Those close to the father say he fainted from the pain of losing his son, and the mother had to be sedated. No one expected such a tragedy.
A consulted source claims the autopsy showed no belt marks on the neck, and forensic experts have raised suspicions that it might have been a murder, not a suicide as the military unit officials claim. A relative who did not want to confirm or deny the events only stated that the incident is under investigation. "We haven't thoroughly investigated yet," said someone close to the deceased, noting that the mother, who spoke with the forensic experts, is too devastated to explain anything.
"There are many stories. Some say he was found dead in the dormitory, hanged with the cord of the AKM," mentioned another source. "He had an AKM in his hands. He could have shot himself. He could have jumped from the guard post, which is about two or three meters high. Hang himself with a belt? He was in a highly visible spot, and no one saw anything. Someone must have seen something," added a source close to the deceased.
"Everyone who knows him doubts it was a suicide. I wanted to see him in the coffin. His eyes were forced shut," concluded a friend of Flavio Alonso Piedra. A neighbor added that she doesn't believe it either because "he was a very cheerful boy."
The case of Flavio Alonso is not an isolated incident. Increasingly, there are reports of families losing their children during military service, often under unexplained circumstances. Sometimes, it is outright suicides due to ignoring medical advice against recruiting individuals who are not psychologically fit.
This was the case with Maikol Arcia Hernández, a young Cuban who took his own life in 2023 while serving. He had already warned his grandfather about his intentions to shoot himself, and although the family alerted the unit, the commanding officer dismissed it as "childishness."
Similarly, in June 2024, Cuban soldier Leandro Muñoz Zamora jumped from a moving military bus, and his family believes it "could have been avoided." The 20-year-old from Santa Clara died instantly, shortly after telling his girlfriend about his plans. He had documents advising against his conscription due to psychological issues but was still drafted and transferred from Santa Clara to Matanzas to work six months in construction. He took his life en route to Matanzas.
Questions Surrounding the Death of Flavio Raúl Alonso Piedra
The mysterious death of Flavio Raúl Alonso Piedra during his military service has raised numerous questions. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
What is the official cause of death for Flavio Raúl Alonso Piedra?
The official cause of death, according to military officials, is suicide by hanging with his belt. However, this account is widely disputed by the family and those close to Flavio.
Why do people believe Flavio's death might not be a suicide?
Doubts arise because Flavio had an AKM rifle, which he could have used to shoot himself, and the guard post's height could have allowed for a fatal jump. Additionally, the autopsy reportedly showed no belt marks on his neck, adding to the suspicion of foul play.
Has there been any investigation into Flavio's death?
Yes, the incident is under investigation. Forensic experts have not ruled out the possibility of murder, and the family is awaiting further details as they deal with their grief.