The Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who had been hospitalized since March 12 at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, passed away this Saturday at 5:00 am.
The news was confirmed on Facebook by the activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia.
"Our warrior rests with the Lord! There are no words to describe such pain!" he said.
"Thank you to each one of you for being with us. Rest in peace, warrior of our hearts! Prince of the aunts! Since 5 in the morning, our boy Damir has been resting, another angel in heaven. We love you!" he added.
Although the exact cause of death has not been revealed, it seems that Damir died from an extremely aggressive bacteria he contracted in Cuba.
"The illness itself is not the biggest problem right now; it's the bacteria, gentlemen. A very strong bacteria," Diasniurka stated on Thursday during the latest update on the child's condition.
Damir, who was only 10 years old, was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis at the age of two, but he also suffered from other health complications.
This week, the activist made an emotional appeal for solidarity, asking for a prayer chain for him, which led to the assumption that his condition had worsened.
The sad news has saddened thousands of Cubans who had hopes for their recovery.
Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a doctor who actively participated in the campaign to bring the child out of Cuba and whom the regime is defaming and accusing of falsifying his resume, expressed on Facebook:
"My child of my heart! This disgusting world was not a place for an angel like you, I ALWAYS KNEW IT! Your body no longer suffers, you are free now. You are no longer lying in a bed suffering unable to walk. You are no longer blind, your eyes are filled with light. My angel, no one will ever be able to hurt you again!" he wrote.
"Now you are surrounded by all the most beautiful and wonderful toys that could possibly exist, the ones you always asked for. Thank you for everything, my child, for your love and for allowing me to be part of your life here on earth, my love. Fly high, my baby, your godfather will never forget you," he concluded.
Damir arrived in Miami in critical condition, after overcoming countless bureaucratic hurdles imposed by Cuban authorities.
Her journey was made possible thanks to an intensive fundraising campaign led by her mother, Eliannis Ramírez, who, with the support of civil society, was able to secure a humanitarian visa from the United States government.
Throughout his life, the little boy witnessed the deterioration of his condition due to the lack of resources, the ineptitude and negligence of the Cuban healthcare system, and the inability to access treatments that could have saved his life.
The case, which received significant media attention and shocked both inside and outside of Cuba, exposed not only the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system but also the apathy of a regime that prioritizes ideology over the health and well-being of its people.
The collective pain of doctors, activists, and Cuban citizens highlights the struggle of a people who, although they may not always have the means, find in solidarity and truth the only way to confront injustices.
The story of Damir leaves a profound mark on Cuban society; his death represents not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a symbol of the ineffectiveness of a system that continues to endanger the lives of the most vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz, the Cuban boy who passed away in Miami
Who was Damir Ortiz and what happened to him?
Damir Ortiz was a 10-year-old Cuban boy who passed away at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. He was transported from Cuba in critical condition to receive specialized medical treatment, but unfortunately, his condition worsened in the final hours, and he passed away on April 5, 2025. Damir suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, among other health complications.
Why did the case of Damir Ortiz generate so much attention?
The case of Damir generated significant attention because his transfer to the United States was made possible thanks to an intense fundraising campaign and support from Cuban civil society. Furthermore, his story highlighted the lack of resources and bureaucratic obstacles in the Cuban healthcare system, as Damir fell victim to a misdiagnosis and medical negligence in Cuba, where he was given inappropriate treatment.
What role did the Cuban regime play in Damir Ortiz's situation?
The Cuban regime was criticized for its role in Damir Ortiz's situation for delaying his departure from the country and administering an incorrect chemotherapy treatment that worsened his health. Cuban authorities were also accused of medical negligence and attempting to cover up their mistakes by blaming the child's mother for interfering with his treatment.
How was Damir transferred to the United States?
Damir's relocation to the United States was made possible thanks to a humanitarian visa and a solidarity campaign led by activists and Cuban civil society. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by both Cuban and U.S. authorities, sufficient funds were raised to hire a medical evacuation plane that took him to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he received specialized medical care.
What illnesses did Damir Ortiz suffer from?
Damir Ortiz suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, kidney damage, and other health complications. Initially, in Cuba, he was misdiagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, which led to inadequate chemotherapy treatment that further worsened his condition. His true diagnosis was corrected after his arrival in the United States.
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