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The Cuban community in Uruguay is in mourning following the identification of the young man who lost his life in a tragic accident that occurred on Tuesday, October 14, on Route 7, at kilometer 82, in the Canelones department.
The victim has been identified as Abel Luis Vázquez Licea, a Cuban who had emigrated in search of a better future, and whose family is now trying to repatriate his body to Cuba.
The accident, as reported by the Uruguayan Highway Police, occurred when a car traveling south collided with a van carrying ten people, nine of whom were Cuban. In the incident, Abel lost his life at the scene, while eight other compatriots were injured, one of them seriously.
The news of the passing has moved the migrant community. On social media, friends and family have shared farewell messages and organized a campaign on the GoFundMe platform to cover funeral and body repatriation expenses.
“His sudden departure has left an immense void in his family, friendships, and all the people who had the fortune of knowing him,” they wrote in the collection. “He was a person full of life, joy, and kindness, always ready to help and share a smile.”
So far, the initiative has raised over $1,300 of the $2,000 needed to bring Abel's remains back to his homeland. His family, visibly affected, has called for the solidarity of the Cuban community both within and outside of Uruguay to give him a dignified farewell.
"In the name of the family, we will be eternally grateful for your help," wrote one of the organizers on Facebook, along with a picture of the young man.
The death of Abel Luis Vázquez Licea reflects one of the most painful aspects of the Cuban exodus: that of those who die far from home, in countries where they were trying to rebuild their lives.
His story has sparked empathy among hundreds of migrants who see in him the face of so many compatriots who left in hopes of a different future.
Frequently asked questions about the death of the young Cuban in Uruguay
Who was the young Cuban who passed away in Uruguay?
The young Cuban who lost his life in Uruguay has been identified as Abel Luis Vázquez Licea. He emigrated from Cuba in search of a better future and died in a tragic accident on Route 7 in the Canelones department.
How did the accident occur in which Abel Luis Vázquez Licea lost his life?
The accident occurred when a car collided with a van carrying ten people, nine of whom were Cuban. Abel Luis Vázquez Licea lost his life at the scene, and eight other Cubans were injured, one of them seriously.
How is the repatriation of Abel Luis Vázquez Licea's body to Cuba being organized?
Abel's family is organizing a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds for the repatriation of his body to Cuba. So far, they have raised over $1,300 of the $2,000 needed, and the Cuban community has shown its solidarity by contributing to this cause.
What similarities are there between this case and others of Cubans who have died abroad?
Like Abel, many Cubans have passed away abroad while seeking a better future, facing difficulties in repatriating their bodies. Families often turn to fundraising campaigns due to the high costs of repatriation, reflecting a common reality among Cuban migrants trying to rebuild their lives outside of Cuba.
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