Related videos:
Devastated by the loss of their young daughter in a tragic car accident in Austin, Texas, a Cuban family is pleading for help to cover the costs of cremating her body.
Wanda Gertrudis Espinosa Zaldívar, 33 years old, lost her life in a traffic accident on Friday night in the United States, as announced by her mother and other family members on social media.
The family requested support from the Cuban community on Facebook to help cover the costs of cremating their loved one, as they do not have sufficient financial resources to pay for the procedure.
“Her name is Wanda Gertrudis, my dear niece, and she has just passed away in Austin in a traffic accident. Her departure has left a great void among her family and friends because my girl was so sweet,” lamented her aunt Yoana Ordoño Ricardo, a resident of the city of Holguín, in a post shared on social media accompanied by a photo of the young woman.
We need to cremate her body and for this we need to raise money. I ask anyone who can help to message me privately and I will provide the details. I am in direct contact with her mom (…), a friend to everyone in our city and an undocumented migrant in the USA. Please, little by little we can contribute. God bless you all,” she wrote.
In statements to CiberCuba, Ordoño explained that the tragic accident that cut short his niece's life occurred in the city of Austin, on the evening of May 9th. The young woman had just finished work when the car she was driving was struck by another vehicle, resulting in her death and that of two other people.
Her mother, Bárbara Gertrudis Zaldívar Bueno, 50 years old, is an undocumented immigrant and arrived in the United States just a few months ago, which is why she does not have the financial resources to cover the funeral expenses, she stated.
Ordoño specified to our site that individuals who decide to donate can contact her through her Facebook messenger to provide them with the details for the transfer.
In another post this Monday, Wanda's aunt noted that, following the request, “many beautiful people have joined us, but we still haven't reached the number” and for that reason, she pleaded: “Let's help my girl; just as she was beautiful, so was her heart, and she deserves so much.”
Melanie Ortiz Zaldívar, Wanda's first cousin, also appealed to people's solidarity, asking them to "join the cause" and donate "whatever they can and want." Ortiz pleaded, "My aunt (her mother) Bárbara Zaldívar Bueno is all alone out there, undocumented and desperate. Help, my people, my little cousin was the sweetest person in the world. Share widely, you're helping me a lot."
Wanda Gertrudis Espinosa Zaldívar had arrived in the U.S. five years ago, via Mexico, where she stayed in a detention center until she could enter U.S. territory. The death of this young Cuban shattered the future plans and dreams she longed to achieve by leaving Cuba in search of better opportunities.
Just a few days ago, the death of another young woman from the island also shocked the Cuban community in Texas. Sheila Almenares, 24 years old and a resident of Houston, died last Wednesday after being in critical condition for several days due to the severe injuries she sustained in a traffic accident on May 2, in the city of Waco. The pain caused by this tragic event led to the death of her grandfather days later, according to the testimony of the young woman's mother.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Texas and Their Consequences
What happened in the traffic accident in Austin that claimed the life of Wanda Gertrudis Espinosa Zaldívar?
Wanda Gertrudis Espinosa Zaldívar passed away in a car accident in Austin, Texas, when her vehicle was struck by another car on the night of May 9. This tragic incident also resulted in the deaths of two other people. The young woman had just finished work when the accident occurred.
How is Wanda's family seeking help to cover the cremation costs?
Wanda's family is seeking assistance through Facebook, asking the Cuban community and the general public to contribute financially to cover Wanda's cremation expenses. Wanda's mother is an undocumented immigrant in the United States and lacks the necessary financial resources to meet these costs. Those interested in helping can contact Wanda's aunt, Yoana Ordoño, via Messenger to get details on how to make a donation.
Why are requests for financial assistance common after traffic accidents involving Cubans in the U.S.?
Requests for financial assistance following traffic accidents involving Cubans in the U.S. are common because many families lack the necessary resources to cover funeral or repatriation costs. This is due to the precarious economic situation of many Cuban immigrants in the U.S., who often seek help from the community to cope with these unexpected expenses. Additionally, the high costs of funeral services in the U.S. pose a significant financial challenge for families that are already facing economic difficulties.
Filed under: