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Agustín Maceo Perdomo, known as "Pacolo," passed away on the night of this Monday after several days in critical condition following a motorcycle accident in the early hours of May 1 in Santiago de Cuba.
Several sources point to Juan Guillermo Almeida, known as JG, son of the late Commander of the Revolution Juan Almeida Bosque, as the driver of the vehicle that hit him.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed the death this Tuesday on his social media, where he had also reported the accident the day before. The case has sparked an outpouring of indignation in Santiago de Cuba due to concerns about potential legal accountability.
According to the collected testimonies, Agustín was riding his scooter when he was violently hit; the vehicle was practically destroyed.
After the collision, the victim apparently felt fine. There was conversation between both parties, and they reportedly tried to reach an agreement. Agustín himself went to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, but he did not report having been in a traffic accident; instead, he stated that he had fallen. He received routine checks and returned home.
Hours later, everything changed. Agustín woke up incoherent, disoriented, and convulsing. He was rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with a stroke, and admitted in critical condition.
Despite receiving medical attention, his body did not respond. He was declared brain dead and passed away on Monday night.
Versions are emerging that Agustín did not accept money and that the initial intention was only to replace the damaged motor. Today, he leaves behind a shattered family: a small daughter and a young wife. Those who knew him described him as "the pillar of the household," the support of the family.
There are two versions circulating about the accident: one points directly to JG as the driver, and the other indicates that only his vehicle was involved. Neither has been officially confirmed or denied by the Cuban authorities.
Neighbors claim that JG and people from his circle were constantly present at the hospital during the critical days. A nurse from Saturnino Lora reported anonymously that State Security is monitoring the case, which some interpret as a mechanism for controlling information rather than seeking justice.
The debate on social media points to a pattern of impunity. Commentators recall that about 15 years ago, JG was allegedly involved in a similar incident in Mayabeque without facing legal consequences.
JG is a musician —salsa and reggaeton— with several businesses in Santiago de Cuba and maintains close ties with the regime's structures. In August 2025, he was appointed to officially close the summer season in Cuba, with performances in Guantánamo and Mayabeque.
The accident occurred at the intersection of 2nd Street and Escario in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, noted by locals as "the corner of death." On the same day, May 1st, young doctor Thalía Milagros Mariño Recouso died in that same area after being struck by a car while riding a motorcycle.
The case occurs in a context of high traffic accidents: Cuba recorded 750 fatalities in traffic accidents during 2025, with a total of 7,538 incidents and 6,718 injuries, according to the National Road Safety Commission.
"It’s not about surnames. It’s not about power. It’s about a life lost. And no life should be worth less than a surname," wrote Mayeta Labrada upon confirming the death of Agustín Maceo Perdomo.
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