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The Cuban community in Austin, Texas, is seeking support to cover the funeral expenses and repatriate the remains of Rafael Jesús Gómez Collado, a 25-year-old young man from Holguín who passed away in a traffic accident on February 4 in that city.
Rafael had emigrated to the United States just three years ago, after crossing the southern border of the country.
Despite the challenges of the migration process, they had managed to obtain residency and move forward together with their partner.
Both lived alone in the U.S., while their entire family remained in Cuba.
According to those close to him, his life was cut short "overnight" by a tragic accident that shattered his dreams.
Now, his wife—his only close relative in the United States—faces the pain of loss and the financial burden of funeral and consular arrangements alone.
To cover the expenses of the burial and the return of the body to Cuba, a petition has been launched on the fundraising platform GoFundMe titled “In Memory of Rafa - Funeral Expenses.”
The description of the initiative reads: "With deep sorrow, we share the loss of Rafa, a person very dear to all of us who had the fortune to know him."
One of the young man's main wishes, according to his loved ones, was to reunite with his family.
The campaign explains:
"Today, honoring that wish involves facing the funeral expenses and the complex process of transporting his body back to his country of origin, tasks that must be completed in a short timeframe and come with a high cost."
The request clarifies that the funds raised will be used exclusively to cover these procedures, and that any contribution—no matter how small—can make a difference.
"If you can't donate, sharing this fundraiser also supports us deeply," the request concludes.
As of the closing of this report, more than $16,500 have been raised toward a goal of $20,000.
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