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A Cuban identified as Alexei Primelles Álvarez tragically passed away on his first day of work in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 27, according to family and friends who reported the news via social media and the platform GoFundMe.
"Hello, I am Alberto Primelles. Unfortunately, on 04/27/2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, my son Alexei had an accident on his first day at work, and it has been an extremely hard and unexpected situation for me and his family," his father wrote in an emotional message where he requests assistance in repatriating his son's remains to Cuba.
Alexei, who had been in the United States for just eight months, had emigrated in search of a better future, like so many Cubans leaving the island due to precarious economic conditions, lack of job opportunities, and an uncertain social and political landscape.
Her arrival in U.S. territory represented the hope of starting a new life, helping her family in Cuba, and building a more stable future for her young daughter.
Like many newly arrived migrants, Alexei had begun working in a job that, while likely tough and poorly paid, represented his first step towards self-sufficiency.
However, that first day ended up turning into an irreversible tragedy. The circumstances of the accident have not yet been clarified, but the sudden loss has left their loved ones devastated.
The family is seeking to raise the necessary funds to transport his remains to Nuevitas, their hometown in Cuba, where they wish to bid farewell surrounded by their loved ones. "I am earnestly asking for support so that we can lay him to rest in our country alongside a mother and a small girl who have no solace," his father expressed.
On social media, the user Ngc Conde Conde also shared the news, asking for support from the community. "It's all very sad, just 8 months in this country and she lost her life in a work accident. They want to send her body to our hometown Nuevitas... Whatever you can contribute makes a difference.", she wrote on Facebook.
This case adds to a painful list of Cubans who have lost their lives in the United States after managing to reach the country.
The Cuban migrant community, which in recent years has experienced an unprecedented exodus, is facing numerous challenges on American soil, ranging from job insecurity to lack of access to health services and housing.
In many cases, families lack insurance or savings to cover emergencies or tragedies like this, and are forced to turn to solidarity campaigns to cope with the high costs of funeral and repatriation services.
On Monday, relatives of Armando Vladimir Betancourt Audia, a young Cuban recently murdered in Tampa, also requested financial support to repatriate his body to Cuba and to provide him with a dignified ceremony in his homeland.
The request was driven by a campaign created by his brother, Yoandris Roche Audia.
Also the family of Néstor Luis Restoy Díaz, another Cuban killed in the United States allegedly by one of his friends, made a desperate call for help in order to repatriate his body to Cuba and say goodbye to him.
Similarly, the family of the Cuban Yannelis De La Caridad Casales Antón did the same, as she was murdered by her partner in the early hours of March 30 in the city of Jacksonville.
Frequently asked questions about the repatriation of deceased Cubans abroad
Why is it so important for Cuban families to repatriate the bodies of their loved ones who have passed away abroad?
Repatriating their deceased loved ones allows Cuban families to say goodbye to them in their homeland, surrounded by friends and family. This is especially important in a culture that deeply values funeral rituals and the emotional closure they provide.
What economic challenges do Cuban families face when trying to repatriate bodies from abroad?
The repatriation of remains is an expensive process that involves costs for legal procedures, embalming, transportation, and funeral services both in the country of death and in Cuba. These expenses can be prohibitive for many Cuban families, who often turn to fundraising campaigns to cover them.
How does the political and economic context of Cuba affect migrants seeking a better future?
The political and economic context in Cuba forces many Cubans to emigrate due to the lack of job opportunities, precarious economic conditions, and an uncertain outlook. This puts migrants in vulnerable situations abroad, where they face additional challenges such as job insecurity and lack of access to basic services.
What support mechanisms are available for Cuban families abroad who are facing the death of a loved one?
Families often turn to online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe and Donorbox to gather the necessary funds for repatriation and funeral services. Social media also plays a crucial role in spreading these campaigns and mobilizing support from the Cuban diaspora.
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