An emotional tribute was paid by dozens of Cuban motorcyclists to a young man who died in an accident in Sancti Spíritus.
Davidzond Michel Valdez passed away on June 20 in a motorcycle accident. He was an only child and the father of a seven-year-old boy.
His funeral took place this Wednesday in his hometown of Yaguajay, awaiting the arrival of his parents, who live abroad.
It was the young man's own mother who called on Facebook to pay tribute to her son.
"I ask all my son's friends who have motorcycles and anyone with a motorcycle who wants to pay their respects to come on Wednesday, June 25, at the funeral home in Yaguajay," requested María Teresa Valdez Suárez.
"It is the final wish of this mother who has no life from so much suffering, for my king loved engines," she remarked.
The tribute video, shared on Facebook by the user Mirna Gazapo, shows nearly a hundred motorcycles riding down a street in the town, accompanying the vehicle carrying the coffin to the cemetery, under the gaze of passersby.
The motorcyclists arrived early at the funeral home in Yaguajay to bid farewell to Michel.
"My town doesn't fade; I love you, dear Yaguajay. A well-deserved tribute to that beautiful young man who is in the presence of the Lord," commented a local upon seeing the gathering of vehicles.
Hundreds of people left messages of condolence online.
"Today there is a community suffering from your departure, so many dreams unfulfilled, but you will always be in our hearts. You were a great friend, brother, son, truly, my brother, your departure hurts me deeply, but you will always be in my heart," wrote a user.
"It is a great pain; we will always remember him as a young man raised and loved in this town," said another.
"Michel, you have left a great pain in your family and friends. All who knew you know that you were a good guy, pleasant, friendly, and with a very good heart. The neighbors from La Guayabera, where you grew up, mourn your absence," stated a third party.
Michel's stepmother had requested help so that his father, who lives in Miami, could travel to Cuba to say goodbye to his son.
"It is an emergency, and with great regret and sorrow for what has happened, I am doing this, but this has caught us by surprise and without the necessary financial preparations," explained Maritza Martínez.
Thanks to the solidarity of numerous compatriots, she and her husband were able to travel to Sancti Spíritus in time.
At the beginning of May, Cubans residing in Miami held a tribute filled with nostalgia and affection for Pirry Torrez, known in his circle as El Pirry 46, who also lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident.
Torrez, 38 years old and originally from Sancti Spíritus, lived in Miami Springs with his wife and their young daughter.
The tribute event was organized by his widow, who invited those who knew and loved Pirry to attend dressed in white, as a demonstration of "love and respect" and to honor "his free spirit."
The proposal found an immediate response: a sea of light garments gathered dozens of close friends in a warm meeting filled with memories and anecdotes.
In a video that circulated on Facebook after the ceremony, Daylenis expressed gratitude for the support received and told those attending the tribute: "Wherever he is, he is super happy."
visibly emotional, she added that the initiative arose from a deep desire to reciprocate the affection shown by Pirry during his life and to give him "a final farewell as he would have liked."
Frequently asked questions about the tribute to motorcyclists and traffic accidents in Cuba
How was tribute paid to the young man who passed away in Sancti Spíritus?
Tens of Cuban motorcyclists paid a heartfelt tribute to Davidzond Michel Valdez, a young man who passed away in a motorcycle accident, accompanying his coffin to the cemetery in a motorcycle procession.
What was the last wish of the mother of the young deceased?
Davidzond Michel Valdez's mother, María Teresa Valdez Suárez, expressed her wish for all of her son's friends with motorcycles to join him in the tribute, as a special way to say goodbye, since he loved motorcycles.
What impact do motorcycle accidents have in Cuba?
Motorcycle accidents are a recurring problem in Cuba, with numerous cases of fatalities and serious injuries. The lack of signage and excessive speed are some of the common causes of these incidents on Cuban roads.
What have the authorities indicated about traffic accidents in Cuba?
Cuban authorities have pointed out that human error is the main cause of traffic accidents, highlighting inattention while driving, disrespect for right of way, and speeding as common violations.
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