Matanzas University has paid tribute to Daylín Sánchez Luis, a 20-year-old third-year law student who tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on Saturday. The driver responsible fled the scene. "To the family, friends, and professors of Daylín Sánchez Luis: In this time of immense grief, the university community of Matanzas extends its heartfelt condolences and mourns the loss of Daylín, a cherished third-year law student. Her memory and legacy will always remain in our hearts," the university expressed on Facebook. "May her loved ones find solace in shared memories and the love that will forever bind them," the statement added.
The young woman's remains were laid to rest this week in the municipality of Jagüey Grande, her hometown. A Facebook post in a community group suggested that she was hit by a driver operating a rental car. "Daylín Sánchez Luis [also known as Cucusita or Cuqui] was buried this morning in Jagüey Grande, her hometown. Understandably, the family is devastated. According to those present at the cemetery, the driver of the tourist rental car that hit her is now in police custody. Let us pray for justice," the post read.
Daylín, who was on a scholarship in Matanzas, did not travel home every weekend due to transportation issues. However, on November 30, she intended to catch public transportation near the campus, but was struck by a vehicle. Her lifeless body, showing clear signs of a vehicular accident, was discovered on a poorly lit road during a power outage.
Lachy Félix Marrero Hernández, a driver who claimed to have found Daylín's body, stated that the discovery occurred around 6:35 p.m. In a Facebook post in the "Automobile Accidents in Cuba" group, Marrero Hernández recounted how he stopped his vehicle after his passengers alerted him to a person lying on the road. Upon approaching, he confirmed that the young woman showed no signs of life. He immediately notified the authorities and stayed at the scene until the arrival of emergency services and police.
Broken glass from the vehicle's headlights and plastic debris, possibly from the car's bumper or front end, were found at the site. Reports indicated that Daylín did not have identification documents on her at the time, only her phone, which was damaged in the accident. It was not until Sunday, December 1, around 5:00 p.m., that university professors and family members could identify her body.
This tragic event has once again highlighted the issue of road safety in Cuba, particularly in poorly lit areas. Sánchez's death also underscores the growing concern over hit-and-run incidents in the country, a problem that has claimed numerous lives and, in some cases, left a trail of impunity.
Understanding Road Safety Challenges in Cuba
What are the main causes of road safety issues in Cuba?
The primary causes include poorly lit roads, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of traffic law enforcement. These factors contribute to frequent accidents and hit-and-run incidents.
How does the government address hit-and-run cases?
The government's response varies, but there are concerns about the lack of accountability and enforcement in many cases, leading to a sense of impunity.