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A Cuban mother, just 25 years old and identified as Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez, passed away on October 11 in a hospital in Colorado, United States, after spending several days in critical condition following a tragic traffic accident.
The young woman's passing has shocked the Cuban community both in the diaspora and in her hometown, Sancti Spíritus, where her family is pleading for help to repatriate her body.
A celebration trip turned into tragedy
The accident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, around two in the afternoon, when Yenly was traveling with her husband, Frey Lara Hernández, and their 23-month-old son along Highway 30, near mile marker 293, south of Rock River, in Albany County.
The trip was intended to celebrate the birthday of the young woman's husband.
However, what was supposed to be a festive day turned into a devastating incident when the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a deer on the road.
According to the journalist from Univision, Javier Díaz, the young mother was traveling in the back seat without a seatbelt, alongside her son.
Both were seriously injured in the collision.
A struggle in intensive care
Yenly was urgently transferred to a hospital, where she underwent several surgeries. However, the final diagnosis was devastating: brain death.
She was kept on life support for four days, until Saturday, October 11, when her body was disconnected from the machines.
The baby, although also injured, is hospitalized in "stable" condition, despite having suffered a blow to the head.
The father, Frey Lara Hernández, remains with "serious injuries, with broken ribs," according to the family.
The accident was witnessed in real time by a relative who was on the phone with Yenly at that moment.
“I was on the phone with her when suddenly I heard her scream in terror. After that, I didn't know anything else about her until her husband was able to react, got out of the car, and called us shouting,” reported Yipsiar Yenly, a close relative of the victim, in statements to the aforementioned media.
That heart-wrenching testimony highlights the brutality of the accident and the emotional impact it has left on the loved ones of the young mother.
In the midst of sorrow, Yenly's husband made a decision that honors her memory: to donate her organs to save other lives.
Meanwhile, the family is now grappling with another harsh reality: the costs associated with the funeral and the repatriation of the body to Cuba, where her mother, Raquel Pérez Medina, hopes to be able to lay her to rest in her homeland.
Cry for help
Yenly's mother, devastated in Sancti Spíritus, has desperately asked for help.
"I am seeking help, for the pain of a mother who has lost her daughter, her only daughter, her little girl of just 25 years old," expressed a family friend in a Facebook post that has been shared dozens of times.
"She is asking for support to bring her daughter back to Cuba, her only child!" the post adds.
As of now, a Zelle number has been set up to channel donations: 305-724-1915, although the family hopes to activate an account on GoFundMe.
A young life, a dreaming mother
Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez had emigrated to the United States about two years ago.
Friends and acquaintances describe her as a cheerful, hardworking young woman with a constant smile and complete dedication to her little one.
Yenly's family continues to ask the Cuban community and all supportive individuals to share their story. "No one should have to endure such pain; a child's life is sacred. Let’s help them!" her loved ones implore.
Yenly's tragedy not only leaves a family shattered by grief but also serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts and exercising caution on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents Involving Cubans in the U.S.
How did the accident that caused the death of Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez in the U.S. occur?
The accident occurred when the vehicle Yenly was traveling in collided with a deer on Highway 30, near mile marker 293, south of Rock River. Yenly was not wearing a seatbelt, which worsened the severity of his injuries.
What is the current condition of Yenly's son and husband after the accident?
The son of Yenly is currently hospitalized in "stable" condition after suffering a blow to the head. Her husband, Frey Lara Hernández, has "serious injuries, with broken ribs."
How is Yenly's family managing the repatriation of his body to Cuba?
Yenly's family is seeking financial support for the repatriation of her body. They have set up a Zelle account to receive donations and plan to activate a GoFundMe account to cover the costs of the funeral and repatriation.
What impact has Yenly's death had on the Cuban community?
The death of Yenly has shocked both her community in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, and the Cuban diaspora in the United States. The tragedy has sparked a call for solidarity to help the family overcome this difficult situation and has highlighted the importance of using seat belts.
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