A Cuban man named Alexei Primelles Álvarez tragically lost his life on his very first day at work in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 27, 2025. This heartbreaking news was shared by his family and friends on social media and the fundraising platform GoFundMe. "Hello, I'm Alberto Primelles. On 04/27/2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, my son Alexei suffered an accident on his first day of work. This has been an incredibly difficult and unexpected event for me and our family," his father shared in a heartfelt message, appealing for assistance to send his son's remains back to Cuba.
Having emigrated to the United States only eight months ago, Alexei sought a brighter future, leaving behind the challenging economic conditions, limited job prospects, and uncertain social and political landscape of Cuba. His arrival in the U.S. offered a beacon of hope for starting anew, supporting his family back in Cuba, and providing a stable future for his young daughter.
Tragedy Strikes on First Day of Work
Like many newly arrived immigrants, Alexei had taken up a job that, while likely difficult and low-paying, was seen as a crucial step towards independence. Tragically, his first day ended in an irreversible loss. The details surrounding the accident remain unclear, but the sudden departure has left his loved ones in deep grief.
The family is now striving to gather the necessary funds to transport his remains to Nuevitas, his hometown in Cuba, for a farewell surrounded by family and friends. "I am urgently seeking support to bring him home to rest in our country, alongside a mother and a young child who are inconsolable," his father expressed.
Community Rallies for Support
On social media, user Ngc Conde Conde also spread the word, urging community support. "Such a sad situation, having only been in this country for 8 months, he lost his life in a workplace accident. They want to send his body to our native Nuevitas... Any contribution makes a difference," she posted on Facebook.
This incident adds to the painful list of Cubans who have passed away in the U.S. after arriving in search of better lives. The Cuban migrant community, which has experienced an unprecedented exodus in recent years, faces numerous challenges in the U.S., from job insecurity to lack of access to healthcare and housing.
Many families lack insurance or savings to cover emergencies or tragedies like this one, often resorting to solidarity campaigns to manage the high costs of funeral services and repatriation.
Other Tragic Cases
Recently, the family of Armando Vladimir Betancourt Audia, a young Cuban killed in Tampa, also sought financial support to return his body to Cuba for a proper farewell in his homeland. This appeal was initiated through a campaign by his brother, Yoandris Roche Audia. Similarly, the family of Néstor Luis Restoy Díaz, another Cuban murdered in the U.S., allegedly by a friend, issued a desperate plea for help to repatriate his body to Cuba for a final goodbye. The relatives of Yannelis De La Caridad Casales Antón, who was killed by her partner in Jacksonville on March 30, also made a similar request.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Migrants in the U.S.
What were the circumstances of Alexei Primelles Álvarez's death?
The details of the accident that led to Alexei's death remain unclear, but it tragically occurred on his first day of work in Phoenix, Arizona.
Why did Alexei Primelles Álvarez emigrate from Cuba?
Alexei left Cuba seeking a better future, driven by the island's challenging economic conditions, lack of job opportunities, and uncertain social and political climate.
How is the Cuban community in the U.S. supporting Alexei's family?
The community has rallied through social media and fundraising platforms like GoFundMe to help raise the funds needed to repatriate Alexei's remains to Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in the U.S.?
Cuban migrants often face job insecurity, lack of access to healthcare and housing, and sometimes have no financial safety nets to handle emergencies or tragedies.