Lisett Padrón, a Cuban mother living in Houston, Texas, made a desperate appeal for help on social media to travel to Brazil and recover the body of her 18-year-old son, Yasniel Riera Padrón, who passed away in that country under circumstances that have yet to be clarified.
In a video posted on Facebook just hours after the tragic event, the woman explained that up to that moment, the exact cause of death was unknown. "It is still unclear whether he took his own life or if he was murdered," she expressed through tears.
"I just ask for help so that I can go to Brazil. I don't currently have the financial means for that, as this was so unexpected," he commented.
Lisett asked those who can help to contact her directly at the numbers 713 748 5376 or 346 554 5757, and she also mentioned that she does not know the legal or logistical process for transferring her son's remains.
The young man, identified as Yasniel Riera Padrón, was their firstborn and, according to images shared on social media, worked as a hairstylist.
A fundraising campaign has been created on the GoFundMe platform, where Lisett wrote: "On July 22, 2025, we lost a beautiful soul who left us too soon."
"My son was charismatic, full of life, and greatly loved by everyone. We are raising funds to cover the costs of cremation and transportation, as he passed away far from home," she added.
So far, the campaign has raised more than $2,000 of the $3,000 requested.
The troubled mother concluded her message with a call for solidarity: "Every little bit helps. Please help me bring my son to Cuba."
The circumstances surrounding the young man's death have not yet been clarified by Brazilian authorities. In the meantime, the Cuban community abroad is mobilizing to support Lisett during this devastating time.
Brazil: a new destination for thousands of Cubans leaving the Island
As thousands of Cubans continue to dream of reaching Miami, another increasingly large group has begun to change direction.
In light of the closure of U.S. immigration doors, tightened under President Donald Trump, Brazil has become a new destination for those fleeing economic collapse and repression in the Island.
In 2024, more than 22,000 Cubans applied for asylum in the South American giant, double that of the previous year, and this year they have even surpassed Venezuelans, according to data cited by Bloomberg.
Many of them arrive through Guyana, cross the entire continent, and eventually settle in the south of the country.
Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, has seen its Cuban community grow in just a few years. Social media, YouTube channels, and groups like "Cubans in Curitiba" have helped the diaspora stay connected and organized.
Despite the challenges with legalization, language, and even racism, many assert that, in Brazil, they can at least "live as people."
This new migration route, fueled by disillusionment with the United States and internal collapse in Cuba, is one of the most active in 2025.
And Yasniel's story is a tragic reminder of how difficult that path can be.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repatriation of Bodies of Cubans Deceased Abroad
How can the Cuban community help Lisett Padrón with the repatriation of her son's body?
Lisett Padrón has requested financial and logistical assistance to travel to Brazil and recover the body of her son, Yasniel Riera Padrón. A campaign has been created on GoFundMe to raise funds and cover the costs of cremation and transportation. The community can contribute financially and share the campaign to increase its reach.
What challenges do Cubans abroad face in repatriating bodies?
The challenges include the lack of financial resources, lack of knowledge about legal and logistical procedures, and the need to mobilize resources quickly in times of tragedy. Many families turn to fundraising campaigns to cover the high costs of repatriation and funeral services.
What other similar cases of Cubans who have died abroad have required assistance for repatriation?
There are several cases of Cubans who have passed away abroad whose families have requested assistance for their repatriation, such as Alexei Primelles Álvarez in Arizona and Armando Vladimir Betancourt Audia in Tampa. The Cuban community has shown solidarity through fundraising campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe to cover the costs of these processes.
What protocols are followed for the repatriation of bodies from Brazil to Cuba?
The repatriation of remains requires coordination with local authorities and funeral services in both the country of origin and destination. It is necessary to obtain death certificates, transportation permits, and, in some cases, embalming of the body. Families should be prepared to face bureaucratic procedures and significant costs.
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