The family of former Cuban taekwondo athlete Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten, who was tragically shot to death in Brazil at the end of July, is reaching out for financial support to repatriate his body and bid him a final farewell in Cuba. Aguiar Forten, who had been residing in Brazil, was killed in the early hours of July 27 in the Jardim Ipê neighborhood of São José dos Pinhais, a city within the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state.
Efforts to raise funds for the repatriation of his remains have been circulating on social media, spearheaded by family and friends. His sister, Senia Aguiar, made heartfelt pleas online, urging everyone who knew him to contribute. "It's to help bring my brother's body back. It's a lot of money, but with the help of those who truly cared for him, we can make it happen," she expressed in one post.
She added, "I ask from the bottom of my heart, with my soul shattered, for anyone who can help to bring Miguel's body back. Here's the Zelle number, please," providing the contact number for donations (7863980578).
Lene Garcia, a user on Facebook, shared these posts on her profile, urging her followers, "Share and help make it viral so Miguel can soon be with his family and have a dignified burial."
A friend of the deceased also echoed the appeal, spreading the message through his stories, which has been shared by many: "My people, we recently received the heartbreaking news of Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten's passing. His family is doing everything in their power to bring his body back to Cuba for a proper burial, as we all deserve. I'm sharing this so anyone who knew him and feels moved can contribute to make this possible."
A Community in Mourning
Another friend, known on social media as Una Taly P K Sepa, wrote a moving tribute accompanied by photos of them together. "Oh, my unruly boy, you have no idea the immense pain you've caused all who love you. Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten, why did you leave us? You still had so much life ahead. Why is life so unfair, taking away those we love the most? Please God, place him in the most beautiful part of heaven, for he deserves it for being the star he was," she expressed.
This Tuesday afternoon, a GoFundMe page was set up to collect funds to cover the costs of Aguiar Forten's repatriation to Cuba. Organized by Johans Blanco, the campaign aims to raise $3,500. "Through this means, we are conducting a collection to help this great brother's family say their last goodbye. Every cent donated from the heart will be appreciated. Blessings and strength to your family, champion," Blanco wrote.
A Heinous Crime
Once a member of the Cuban national taekwondo team before emigrating, Aguiar Forten was identified by police as one of the victims in a brutal multiple murder on July 27 in São José dos Pinhais. The deadly shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Laérte Fenelon street. Alongside the Cuban, another man was killed, as reported by local media.
Preliminary investigations by the Military and Civil Police of Paraná indicated that the crime was committed by occupants of a white car that drove by twice before opening fire. Witnesses stated that the assailants targeted the two men in the street without a word.
Aguiar Forten was shot in the head and died instantly, while his companion attempted to flee through a vacant lot but was pursued and shot twice in the head, approximately 30 meters from the scene. Emergency services personnel declared them dead upon arriving.
Fábio Machado, Chief of Paraná’s Civil Police, disclosed to the media that shortly before their murder, both men had been detained by the Municipal Guard on suspicion of stealing electrical cables. After verifying their innocence, they were released, only to be attacked afterward.
The authorities were examining surveillance footage from the area to piece together the victims' last movements and gather clues about the perpetrators. Machado mentioned efforts were underway to understand Aguiar Forten's journey from Cuba to Brazil and whether he might have been involved in any conflicts or risky situations.
As of now, there hasn't been any updated information on the investigation into the former Cuban athlete's murder.
Understanding Aguiar Forten's Case
Who was Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten?
Miguel Ángel Aguiar Forten was a former Cuban taekwondo athlete who was tragically murdered in Brazil in July 2023.
What happened to Aguiar Forten in Brazil?
Aguiar Forten was shot and killed in São José dos Pinhais, Brazil. He was one of the victims in a multiple shooting incident.
How is the family of Aguiar Forten seeking assistance?
The family is requesting financial support through social media and a GoFundMe campaign to repatriate his body to Cuba for burial.
What are the police investigating in Aguiar Forten’s case?
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and investigating the circumstances leading to his murder, including any potential conflicts he may have been involved in.