The Cuban doctor Carmen Proenza Rodríguez, a well-known retired physician in Camagüey, passed away after being critically ill for several days due to severe injuries sustained in a traffic accident involving a motorcyclist who, according to reports from family members and witnesses, initially left the scene.
The passing was confirmed by the Provincial Directorate of Public Health of Camagüey, the institution where Proenza worked for many years and which expressed its condolences to family, friends, and former colleagues.
"Her dedication, commitment, and human quality left an indelible mark on those of us who had the privilege of sharing time with her," stated the health organization in announcing her passing.
According to the reconstruction shared by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, Carmen was traveling as a passenger on a motorbike when the accident occurred near the Ignacio Agramonte Provincial Museum.
A red Honda motorcycle, which according to reports was operating without a license plate, reportedly attempted to overtake and collided with the back of a moped.
Tan Estrada reported that the motorcycle driver stopped a few meters ahead, checked his vehicle, and then left the scene, while Carmen was left seriously injured.
The doctor sustained severe injuries, including a fracture at the base of the skull, loss of consciousness, and nasal bleeding. Her condition subsequently became complicated by respiratory difficulties that required intubation, according to information released during the days she was hospitalized.
While Carmen fought for her survival, her niece Yenelys Proenza Quintana turned to social media to request help identifying the motorcyclist and asked that any information be reported directly to the authorities or the family.
"The damage is already done, but that man deserves the full weight of the law," wrote the woman, who also identified the sought vehicle as a red Honda without a license plate.
Her message also revealed one of the most painful dimensions of the case: Carmen's mother, 85 years old, hoped that her daughter would recover and return home.
"There is no comfort for a whole family and an 85-year-old mother who is waiting for her daughter to return home safe," expressed Yenelys while her aunt was still alive.
People close to Carmen have specifically highlighted the relationship she had with her mother. Mariam Nexy Baró, who claimed to live near the family, described her as a very devoted daughter who constantly took care of her.
Following the announcement of her passing, social media was flooded with messages from family, neighbors, friends, and former colleagues who all remembered Proenza as a hardworking, helpful, and greatly beloved woman.
Norka González Rodríguez, who identified herself as the cousin of the doctor, remembered her as a "strong and hardworking" woman who helped others. "You were my support," she wrote in her farewell.
Other testimonials highlighted her professional career. Iliana Alpízar Rodríguez described her as an "excellent professional" and a "loving daughter," while Belkis Peraza recalled her as "a person of impeccable integrity."
A comment from someone who claimed to have known her professionally also stated that Proenza had worked as a clinical doctor at the place known as Centenario, although CiberCuba has not been able to independently verify that information.
The circumstances of the accident have also sparked outrage among residents of Camagüey, particularly due to the report that the motorcyclist left the scene after the impact.
Information later released by Tan Estrada and other local profiles indicated that the driver may have been detained by authorities, although their identity and any official details regarding the investigation or possible charges have not yet been made public.
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