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The family of the former Cuban taekwondo athlete Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten, who was shot and killed at the end of July in Brazil, appealed for the solidarity of those who knew him and everyone who can contribute financially in order to repatriate his body and give him a final farewell in Cuba.
Aguiar Forten, who resided in Brazil, was killed in the early hours of July 27 in the Jardim Ipê neighborhood of São José dos Pinhais, a municipality that is part of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná.
The appeal to raise funds for the repatriation of his body has been shared on social media by family and friends.
Her sister Senia Aguiar posted messages on her social media pleading for the support of those who knew him. “It's to help bring my brother's body back; it's a lot of money, but together, those who truly appreciated him, we can do it,” one of the texts states.
"I sincerely and with a shattered soul ask anyone who can help to bring Miguel's body back; here is the Zelle number, please," she pleaded in another post, providing the phone number to which contributions should be sent (7863980578).
User Lene Garcia posted both items on her Facebook profile and asked her followers: “Share and let's make it viral so that Miguel can be with his family soon and have a dignified burial.”
A friend of the young man who passed away also echoed the plea, sharing a message in his stories that has been replicated by close friends: “My people, a few days ago we received the sad news of the loss of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten (...) His entire family is doing everything possible to bring his body to Cuba, to give him a dignified burial, as we all deserve. I’m doing this so that everyone who knew him and feels moved can contribute to make this transfer possible.”
Another friend, identified on the social network as Una Taly P K Sepa, dedicated a heartfelt message, accompanied by photos of both of them along with other friends. “Oh, my mischievous boy, you have no idea the immense pain you have caused all of us who love you. Oh, Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten, why did you leave us? You still had so much life to live. Why is life so unfair and takes away the people we love the most? Please, dear God, place him in the most beautiful spot in heaven as he deserves to be for being the star that he was,” she expressed.
On the afternoon of this Tuesday, a page was created on the GoFundMe platform to raise funds to cover the repatriation expenses for Aguiar Forten's body back to Cuba. The campaign, which aims to raise $3,500, is organized by Johans Blanco.
"Through this means, a fundraising effort will be held to help this great brother's family give him a final farewell. We will be grateful for every cent donated from the heart. Blessings and strength to your family, champion," wrote Blanco.
A ruthless crime
Aguiar Forten, who was a member of the Cuban national taekwondo team before emigrating, was identified by the police as one of the two victims of the multiple murder committed on Sunday, July 27, in São José dos Pinhais.
The fatal shooting occurred around 1:45 AM on Laérte Fenelon Street. Alongside the Cuban, another man was killed, according to local press.
Preliminary investigations by the Military Police and the Civil Police of Paraná (PCPR) indicated that the crime was carried out by the occupants of a white car, who passed by the location twice before opening fire.
The attackers observed the two men in the street and, without exchanging words, opened fire on them, witnesses reported.
Aguiar Forten was shot in the head and died instantly, while his companion attempted to escape through a vacant lot but was pursued and hit by two shots to the head, about 30 meters from the scene.
Upon the arrival of the emergency services personnel from SIATE, they were declared dead.
The head of the Civil Police of Paraná, Fábio Machado, revealed to the press that moments before being murdered, both men had been detained by the Municipal Guard on suspicion of stealing electrical cables. After it was confirmed that this was not the case, they were released, and subsequently, the attack that cost them their lives occurred.
The authorities were reviewing the surveillance camera footage in the area to reconstruct the victims' last movements and gather clues about the killers.
Machado then reported that efforts were being made to determine the circumstances that led Aguiar Forten to leave Cuba and arrive in Brazil, and whether he may have been involved in any conflict or risky situation.
So far, no updated information has emerged regarding the investigation into the murder of the former Cuban athlete.
Frequently Asked Questions about the murder of former Cuban athlete Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten in Brazil
Who was Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten?
Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten was a former Cuban taekwondo athlete who was a member of the Cuban national team before emigrating to Brazil, where he was shot and killed in July 2025.
How did the murder of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten occur in Brazil?
The murder of Aguiar Forten took place in São José dos Pinhais, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, when assailants in a white car opened fire on him and another man in the early hours of July 27. Aguiar was shot in the head and died instantly.
What actions are being taken to repatriate the body of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten to Cuba?
The family of Aguiar Forten has launched a fundraising campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, with the aim of raising 3,500 dollars to cover repatriation expenses and provide a dignified burial in his homeland.
What is known about the investigation into the murder of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten?
So far, authorities are reviewing security camera footage and conducting interviews to determine the circumstances and motive of the attack. No arrests have been made, and the motive behind the crime remains unknown.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the murder of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten?
The Cuban community, both in Brazil and in other countries, has shown its solidarity by sharing the fundraising campaign and expressing its grief over the loss of the former athlete. Messages of support and condolences have increased on social media.
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