A heartfelt tribute was paid by numerous Cuban bikers to honor a young man who lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Sancti Spíritus. Davidzond Michel Valdez died on June 20 in a tragic crash. He was the only child and a father to a seven-year-old boy. His burial took place this Wednesday in his hometown, Yaguajay, awaiting the arrival of his parents who live abroad.
The young man's mother took to Facebook to organize this tribute for her son. "I ask all of my son's friends who have motorcycles, and anyone with a motorcycle who wishes to pay tribute, to come on Wednesday, June 25, to the funeral home in Yaguajay," pleaded María Teresa Valdez Suárez. "It's the last wish of this mother who is suffering immensely, as my king loved motorcycles," she added.
A video shared on Facebook by user Mirna Gazapo captured nearly a hundred motorcycles accompanying the hearse down a town avenue toward the cemetery, witnessed by passersby. Bikers gathered early at the Yaguajay funeral home to say their goodbyes to Michel.
"My town never lets me down; I love you, dear Yaguajay. A well-deserved tribute to that beautiful young man who is now in the presence of the Lord," commented a local resident upon seeing the crowd of vehicles.
Hundreds left condolence messages online. "Today, a town mourns your departure, so many dreams left unfulfilled, but you'll always be in our hearts. You were a great friend, brother, son; my brother, it hurts deeply that you're gone, but you'll always be in my heart," wrote one user. "It's a great sorrow; we'll always remember him as a young man who was raised and loved in this town," said another.
"Michel, you've left a deep pain in your family and friends; everyone who knew you knows you were a good, kind, and charming young man. We, the neighbors from La Guayabera where you grew up, mourn your absence," stated a third.
Michel's stepmother had sought assistance to enable his father, residing in Miami, to travel to Cuba to bid farewell to his son. "It's an emergency, and with much regret and sorrow for what's happened, I'm doing this, but it took us by surprise without the necessary financial preparations," explained Maritza Martínez. Thanks to the solidarity of many fellow Cubans, she and her husband managed to reach Sancti Spíritus in time.
In early May, Cubans living in Miami held a nostalgic and affectionate tribute for Pirry Torrez, known as El Pirry 46 among his friends, who also died in a tragic motorcycle accident. Torrez, 38, originally from Sancti Spíritus, lived in Miami Springs with his wife and young daughter. The tribute was organized by his widow, who invited those who knew and loved Pirry to dress in white, symbolizing "love and respect" and to honor "his free spirit."
The invitation resonated immediately, drawing a sea of light-colored outfits as dozens gathered to share memories and stories. In a video circulated on Facebook after the ceremony, Daylenis expressed gratitude for the support received and told those present, "Wherever he is, he's super happy." Visibly moved, she mentioned that the tribute stemmed from a deep desire to reciprocate the affection Pirry showed in life and to give him "the final farewell he would have wanted."
Common Questions About the Tribute to Davidzond Michel Valdez
Who was Davidzond Michel Valdez?
Davidzond Michel Valdez was a young man from Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident. He was the only child of his parents and a father to a seven-year-old boy.
How did the community honor Michel's memory?
The community organized a tribute involving nearly a hundred bikers who escorted the hearse from the funeral home to the cemetery, honoring Michel's love for motorcycles.
What role did social media play in the tribute?
Michel's mother used Facebook to call upon friends and bikers to join the tribute. Additionally, videos and messages of condolence were widely shared on the platform.