The heart-wrenching search for Mery, an elderly woman with diabetes and memory loss who went missing for several days in Havana, concluded in tragedy. Her lifeless body was discovered beneath the Bacuranao bridge in Havana, ending a period of uncertainty for her loved ones.
The devastating news was shared on the Facebook group "alamar la zona" by her youngest granddaughter, Gaby Mena, who had been at the forefront of the search effort, circulating photos of her missing grandmother on social media. In a heartfelt message, she expressed gratitude for the collective effort:
"With deep sadness and sorrow, we inform the community that Mery, who had been missing since September 4, has been found deceased (…) We sincerely thank everyone who helped and supported us during this difficult search. Now more than ever, we stand with the family in their grief and ask for respect and privacy during this tough time," she stated.
The confirmation of the elderly woman's death came on Saturday when several locals discovered her body and attempted to assist, though it was too late. "To the young men who found her and tried to help, my family and I are deeply grateful. Thank you for trying to save her," Gaby expressed.
As of now, the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, including whether it was an accident, a natural occurrence, or involved any violence.
In a personal tribute, the young woman also shared words for her grandmother: "Grandma, fly high, now you will be my angel and my favorite star in the sky. You were amazing."
A Search Driven by Desperation
Mery's disappearance was initially reported on September 4, when Gaby Mena noticed her grandmother had left her home in Alamar and had not returned. Family members and neighbors quickly mobilized, sharing her image and personal details on social media, noting her diabetes, reliance on medication, and memory issues.
The family wasted no time, confirming the same day that they had informed the police and urgently requested assistance: "We are very desperate. Anyone who can help, please do." The social media campaign was crucial in maintaining awareness, but no information about her whereabouts surfaced during those days.
Grief and Questions
Yadira Simpson, the victim’s niece residing in Hialeah, shared her sorrow online and acknowledged the efforts of the elderly woman's daughter: "That lady was being cared for by the best daughter in the world. Unfortunately, the disease causes those who suffer from it to behave like children, unaware of the dangers."
This case has once again highlighted the weaknesses in Cuba's search and response mechanisms for missing vulnerable individuals, such as elderly people with dementia or chronic illnesses. In reality, families and communities are left to disseminate alerts through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, lacking an official system to ensure swift and effective location efforts.
Mery's tragic story underscores the institutional gaps and the slow actions of authorities, which leave families to face the agony and uncertainty alone, relying on community solidarity as their only tool to attempt to save lives. While the family requests privacy in mourning, neighbors and friends emphasize the urgent need for clear and effective protocols for locating missing persons in Cuba, where every hour can be crucial in preventing fatal outcomes.
Addressing Search and Rescue in Cuba
What challenges do families face in searching for missing persons in Cuba?
Families in Cuba often lack official support for locating missing persons, relying on social media and community efforts due to the absence of a rapid and effective official search system.
How did the community contribute to the search for Mery?
The community played a vital role by sharing Mery's photos and information across social media platforms, helping to maintain awareness and assist in the search efforts.