Cuban singer Dianelys Alfonso Cartaya, better known by her stage name La Diosa, shared a heartfelt message following the death of young Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez this past Saturday at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. Through her Instagram platform, La Diosa expressed her solidarity with Eliannis Ramírez, the grieving mother of the child who passed away at 5:00 am after a long fight for his life.
"Damir departed at 5 am. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May God give his mother the strength to endure this, and may God hold him in His glory," were the words La Diosa used to empathize with the loss, which has stirred significant emotion among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed, it is believed that Damir succumbed to an extremely aggressive bacterial infection he contracted in Cuba. Influencer Ultrack also mourned the child's passing, stating, "Rest in peace, champion."
Activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, who closely followed Damir's case and played a pivotal role in facilitating his transfer to the United States for medical care, confirmed that his health condition deteriorated before he passed. She had previously made an emotional appeal for solidarity, urging a prayer chain for him amid criticisms from pro-regime sectors. Damir had arrived in the U.S. with two bacteria; despite receiving all available care, one posed a serious threat to his clinical stability and progression.
The 10-year-old was evacuated from Cuba in critical condition to receive specialized medical treatment; he suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, among other health complications. Damir's story drew significant attention as his transfer to the United States was made possible through a vigorous fundraising campaign and the support of the Cuban civil society.
His case highlighted the lack of resources and bureaucratic hurdles within the Cuban healthcare system, as Damir fell victim to misdiagnosis and medical negligence in Cuba, receiving improper treatment there.
Insights into Damir Ortiz's Tragic Case
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Although not officially confirmed, it is believed that Damir died from a highly aggressive bacterial infection he contracted while in Cuba.
Who helped facilitate Damir Ortiz's transfer to the United States?
Activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia played a key role in ensuring Damir could be transferred to the United States for medical treatment.
Why did Damir Ortiz's story gain significant attention?
Damir's story highlighted the deficiencies in the Cuban healthcare system, as his condition was exacerbated by misdiagnosis and improper treatment, drawing attention from the Cuban civil society and beyond.