On Thursday morning, Kevin Quiala Suárez, the 14-year-old boy who died early Sunday after being struck by a motorcycle in downtown Santiago de Cuba, was laid to rest. The funeral was delayed as the family awaited the arrival of the boy's sister, who lives outside of Cuba, according to journalist Yosmany Mayeta, who shared poignant images of the moment Kevin was buried today amidst the tears and despair of his family.
"My life from this moment is in a void... one I know I will never overcome. I thank everyone for sharing in this deep sorrow that all his family is enduring. Rest in peace, my son, rest in peace," said a close family member in an emotional farewell.
Friends, who had been at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César South Children's Hospital since the accident, also attended the funeral. Initially, it was reported that Kevin was 16, but the truth is even more heartbreaking as he was only 14.
Mayeta reiterated that other people were also injured in the tragic accident, including the motorcycle driver who remains hospitalized, and other young individuals.
Extended Tributes and Memorials
The tribute to Kevin has extended beyond his funeral on Thursday. Friends and loved ones have gathered with photos and shirts in the park at La Placita on Santo Tomás Street to remember him. In recent days, Yosmany Mayeta had shown other forms of homage paid by a group of Kevin's teenage friends.
In one previously shared image, six people, five of them very young, were seen with their hands on Kevin's chest. "A group of friends, with their hands on Kevin Quiala's chest, transmit their energies as a seal of their friendship beyond death," the journalist commented on the impactful image.
According to the account of the tragedy shared by Mayeta Labrada, Kevin Quiala Suárez, who was studying music, was leaving a bar with friends when, standing in the middle of the street, he didn't notice an oncoming motorcycle and was hit, being projected by the impact. He died instantly.
"He simply crossed the street without looking, and there was no time for anything. It happened right in front of me," lamented a witness.
The sudden death of the teenager has caused profound grief among his family, friends, classmates, and teachers at his school. The death of the young man from Santiago adds to a series of tragic days in Cuba, with the continuous reporting of deaths from various causes.
Questions About the Tragic Accident in Santiago de Cuba
In light of the tragic accident that claimed the life of Kevin Quiala Suárez, several questions have arisen regarding the incident and its aftermath. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What caused the accident that led to Kevin Quiala Suárez's death?
Kevin Quiala Suárez was hit by a motorcycle while standing in the middle of the street. He did not notice the oncoming motorcycle and was projected by the impact, resulting in his instant death.
Why was the funeral for Kevin Quiala Suárez delayed?
The funeral was delayed to wait for the arrival of Kevin's sister, who lives outside of Cuba, to ensure she could attend the ceremony.
Who attended Kevin's funeral?
In addition to his family, Kevin's friends and those who were at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César South Children's Hospital since the accident attended the funeral.