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The tireless search for Ronald, a 14-year-old boy who had disappeared two days ago in the Cerro municipality of Havana, has had a tragic outcome: the minor was found deceased this Saturday, as confirmed by people close to his circle.
The teenager, whose disappearance was reported on Friday, October 17, was found drowned the following day in one of the pools at the Ciudad Deportiva, according to acquaintances, in various social media posts.
Ronald lived on Patria Street and studied at Camilo Cienfuegos Basic Secondary School in El Cerro. In the comments section of a post on the Facebook page La Tijera, a teenager identified as Sandro González said that they were classmates at that educational institution.
In response to inquiries from various users about whether Ronald may have been a victim of a crime, his classmate stated that “no one took his life.” However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as the authorities have not publicly commented on the case.
The tragic news has deeply shocked many people, whether they knew him or learned of his disappearance through social media. From the very beginning, they were aware of the search, holding onto hope that he would be found safe and sound.
For more than 24 hours, family, neighbors, teachers, and friends tirelessly searched for him. A young woman identified as Liany Morejón Rodríguez shared details of the relentless search that took place on that very Friday.
“From the very beginning, the unimaginable was achieved, everyone united, without thinking about it, mothers, fathers, teachers, neighbors, they searched tirelessly. His mom only had him and he only had her... Very sad…,” he lamented.
Ronald leaves an entire school, a community, with immense sadness, so mischievous and witty that even the most serious would laugh at his antics,” he expressed.
According to the testimonials posted on Facebook, Ronald was a cheerful, happy, and calm child. Mothers and fathers of some of his friends mentioned that he often went out to play with them in the neighborhood or nearby.
The incident has had a significant impact on the children with whom he studied and played. The mother of one of his playmates revealed: “My daughter is in shock, saying ‘no way, that’s a lie,’ and she can't get past it.”
Neighbors, teachers, and classmates' parents shared numerous messages of condolences for her mother, Mayelín, and the rest of her family.
"Rest in peace, little one. My sincerest condolences to that mother. To his family and friends, including my son, as they were neighbors and played together. May God embrace you in His arms. Truly sad," expressed a father. Meanwhile, a neighbor of the family stated, "My little neighbor, may he rest in peace, another little angel in heaven. May God keep you in the most beautiful place. Sending much strength to his mother, it's so sad."
But the terrible discovery has also raised numerous questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of the child.
Many people found it suspicious that it took so long to discover his body in a pool at the Ciudad Deportiva, a facility that is quite busy; while others expressed doubts about the condition of the pools, which were closed years ago and have not been reopened, as they commented. In 2019, the repair of the pools was reported to have begun, but it is unknown if they are currently operational. A woman stated that "kids sneak in to swim and play there on weekends because there is no guard."
Questions have also arisen regarding how Ronald ended up there and why he was alone, without the company of other minors or adults.
The disappearance of the child once again mobilized civil society to search for clues that could help locate him. In the absence of an official rapid alert system for disappearances in Cuba, families are forced to turn to social media for help.
The public expects that in the coming hours, authorities or official media will provide explanations that clarify the tragic death of Ronald, which has brought grief to another family and left thousands of Cubans in shock.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disappearances and Security in Cuba
What happened to the 14-year-old boy who went missing in Havana?
The child was found lifeless in one of the pools at the Sports City. Although it has been ruled out that he was the victim of a crime, the circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been clarified by the authorities.
Why the delay in finding the child's body in the pool?
Many people find it suspicious that the child's body was found late in a busy facility. Some testimonies indicate that the pools, although closed years ago, are frequented by minors who sneak in to swim. There was no presence of security guards, which may have contributed to the delay in the discovery.
What measures are in place in Cuba for cases of disappearances?
In Cuba, there is no public rapid alert system for disappearances, which forces families to turn to social media for assistance. This lack of effective official protocols highlights the urgent need for authorities to implement more efficient and transparent mechanisms.
How does the security situation in Cuba influence disappearances?
Security in Cuba is impacted by the lack of institutional response and social deterioration. Cases of disappearances and unexplained deaths, such as that of Ronald, highlight the fragility of the search and response mechanisms in the country. Civil society is often forced to self-manage searches and share crucial information through social media.
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