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The station Radio Angulo, in Holguín, reported the passing of Elioneris Leyva Reyes, a young director of Radio Juvenil Cuba and a fifth-year Communication Studies student, whose death has caused deep sorrow in the radio and university community of that province.
Leyva Reyes is reported to have taken his own life on the night of October 30, amid the difficult days the region is experiencing due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa.
According to the official post from Radio Angulo - which stated that "his decision was to leave" - the young man remained active even during the storm's onslaught, “doing what he enjoyed so much: working for his beloved radio.”
The director of the radio system in the province, Natalia Díaz Riverón, expressed in a public message the profound sorrow of her colleagues.
"It is a sad moment, and as always happens in these cases, unexpected. The departure of a young person, with their whole life ahead of them, is painful, and the pain is even greater because of the excellent person we are saying goodbye to today," he wrote.
Díaz Riverón recalled Elioneris as an enthusiastic and respected professional.
"We can still see him, inexperienced, but always attentive, willing to learn, to take on every task with a smile, with the demeanor of someone who instills trust in those around him," he added.
The directive also emphasized its commitment to radio work and the impact he left among colleagues and friends: “He was a young man, almost a child, who suddenly earned the respect and affection of everyone here and in every place where he left his greeting, his genuine laughter, and his desire to help.”
"May these words reach your soul, and may you know, wherever you go, that we remain here, mourning your farewell, and although your decision was to leave, it deeply moves us to know that we will no longer see you smile at life or feel your sincere affection." Rest in peace, dear friend, dear companion," concluded Natalia Díaz.
Mourning also at the University of Holguín
From the University of Holguín, where she was in her final year of Social Communication, Jessica Vela Batista also expressed her sorrow over the news.
"With deep sorrow, our Calixteño university community mourns the passing of Elioneris Reyes Leyva... Their departure leaves an immense void among colleagues, professors, and friends, who will always remember their dedication, joy, and participatory spirit," wrote Vela Batista on social media.
"Brother: you shouldn't have left now."
Colleagues and peers from various stations across the country also expressed their condolences.
The journalist Yoandris Cedeño remembered the young man with an emotional and extensive message:
“Since I met you at the National Festival of Cuban Radio, I knew you were brave, intelligent, and very professional... Then I learned that you were not only that calm voice as a broadcaster, but also the director of the station Radio Juvenil, dedicated and passionate.”
Cedeño also reminisced about the moments shared and the common passion for radio.
"Brother: you shouldn’t have left now... I will miss you just like the first day we met as two hardened radio enthusiasts; radio runs in our blood and in our hearts just like it does for us."
As of the closing of this report, there are no further details regarding the unfortunate incident.
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