A tragic incident has left the Cuban community in mourning as Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez, a 25-year-old mother, passed away on October 11 in a Colorado hospital. The young woman had been in critical condition for several days following a severe car accident. Her untimely death has resonated deeply among Cubans both abroad and in her hometown of Sancti Spíritus, where her family is desperately seeking assistance to bring her body back home.
A Joyous Trip Turns Tragic
On the afternoon of October 7, what was meant to be a celebratory journey turned into a nightmare. Yenly, her husband Frey Lara Hernández, and their 23-month-old son were traveling on Highway 30 near mile marker 293, south of Rock River in Albany County. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate her husband's birthday. However, the day took a devastating turn when their vehicle collided with a deer on the road.
According to Univision journalist Javier Díaz, Yenly was seated in the back without a seatbelt, alongside her son. Both sustained severe injuries from the crash.
A Battle in Intensive Care
Rushed to the hospital, Yenly underwent several surgeries. Tragically, she was diagnosed with brain death and was kept on life support for four days until October 11, when she was taken off the machines. Meanwhile, her toddler, despite a brain injury, is in a "stable" condition, and the father, Frey, is suffering from "serious injuries, including broken ribs," as the family reported.
The accident's horror was witnessed live by a family member who was on the phone with Yenly at the time. "I was talking to her when suddenly I heard her terrified scream. I didn't hear from her again until her husband managed to call us, crying out," shared Yipsiar Yenly, a close relative, illustrating the emotional turmoil left in the wake of this tragedy.
In a gesture to honor Yenly’s memory, her husband chose to donate her organs to save other lives. Now, the family faces the daunting task of managing the costs of her funeral and repatriating her body to Cuba, where her mother, Raquel Pérez Medina, hopes to lay her to rest.
A Plea for Support
In Sancti Spíritus, Yenly's grieving mother has made an urgent appeal for help. "I'm asking for help, from a mother who has lost her daughter, her only daughter, only 25 years old," a family friend posted on Facebook, a message that has been widely shared. "SHE IS ASKING FOR HELP TO BRING HER DAUGHTER BACK TO CUBA, HER ONLY CHILD!!" the post continues.
The family has set up a Zelle account for donations at 305-724-1915 and hopes to establish a GoFundMe account soon.
A Life Full of Dreams
Yenly had moved to the United States about two years ago. Friends and acquaintances remember her as a joyful, hardworking woman, always smiling and wholly devoted to her child. Her family continues to urge the Cuban community and anyone who can help to share her story, emphasizing that "no one should endure such pain; a child's life is sacred. Let’s help!"
This heartbreaking event not only leaves a family shattered but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wearing seatbelts and exercising caution on the roads.
Key Questions About the Tragic Traffic Accident
What caused the accident that led to Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez's death?
The accident occurred when the vehicle Yenly was traveling in collided with a deer on the highway.
How is Yenly's family coping with the aftermath of the accident?
The family is struggling with the emotional impact and financial burden of funeral costs and repatriation of Yenly's body to Cuba.
How can people help Yenly's family during this difficult time?
Donations can be made through Zelle at 305-724-1915, and the family is planning to set up a GoFundMe account soon.