A poignant video captures the moment when Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez, a Cuban woman who tragically lost her life in a severe car accident, was honored by the medical staff at the Colorado hospital where she was being treated. The footage, shared by Univision journalist Javier Díaz, shows a line of healthcare professionals from different departments paying tribute to the 25-year-old along a hallway.
"The hospital's medical team paid homage to the young woman who will bring life to several others," the journalist remarked, referring to the family's decision to donate Yenly's organs. Her husband and their two-year-old son were also injured in the crash.
Tragedy Strikes on a Birthday Celebration
The accident unfolded on Tuesday, October 7th, around two in the afternoon. Yenly was traveling with her husband, Frey Lara Hernández, and their 23-month-old son on Highway 30 near mile marker 293, south of Rock River in Albany County, Wyoming. They were en route to celebrate Frey’s birthday when a deer unexpectedly crossed their path, resulting in a devastating collision.
As reported by Javier Díaz, Yenly was seated in the back of the vehicle without a seatbelt, alongside her baby. Both sustained critical injuries. While Frey, with multiple fractures, struggled to stay conscious, Yenly and their son were rushed to medical centers due to severe brain injuries.
Struggles in Intensive Care and a Heartbreaking Outcome
Yenly underwent surgery and was kept on life support for four days. On October 11th, doctors confirmed the worst: brain death. With heavy hearts, the family consented to remove life support, and Yenly passed away that day. The young Cuban mother, full of dreams and just beginning her adult life, then became an organ donor.
Her son, who also suffered a brain injury, remains hospitalized in a stable condition. Frey, battling numerous fractures, is recovering while grappling with the emotional trauma of losing his life partner.
The accident was partially witnessed by a family member on a phone call with Yenly at the time of the tragedy. "I was talking to her when I suddenly heard her scream. Then I knew nothing more until her husband managed to react, got out of the car, and called us, shouting," recounted Yipsiar Yenly, a close cousin.
A GoFundMe page has quickly raised over $12,000 to support the care of the young woman's baby and for Yenly Rachel Martínez’s funeral expenses. From his hospital bed, Frey has vowed to keep the promise he made to his wife: that their son will not be alone.
In the GoFundMe campaign titled "Help Me Say Goodbye to My Wife and Save My Son," Frey wrote, "My body is full of fractures, but the greatest pain is unseen. My son is still fighting with all his might to survive. Today I need help to cover medical expenses, care for my baby, and repatriate my wife's body. Her family is waiting to give her a dignified farewell, as she deserves, and that last goodbye. Your donation, no matter how small, can make the difference between despair and hope."
A Gift of Life: Organ Donation
Amidst the sorrow, Frey made a decision filled with love and humanity: to donate Yenly's organs to save other lives. The hospital farewell turned into an act of respect and reverence for someone who, even in death, offered hope to others. The medical staff formed an honor guard as Yenly’s body was taken to the operating room, in what is known as an "honor walk," a common practice to bid farewell to organ donors. The gesture, captured on video, has moved thousands on social media.
Originally from Sancti Spíritus and the only child, as reported on social media, Yenly Rachel Martínez Pérez had emigrated to the United States about two years ago. Friends and family remember her as a joyful, enthusiastic woman deeply devoted to her son and dreaming of building a better life in the U.S.
Understanding the Impact of Organ Donation
What is an "honor walk" in a hospital?
An "honor walk" is a practice where medical staff line the hallways to pay tribute to an organ donor as they are taken to the operating room for organ retrieval. It is a mark of respect and gratitude for the donor’s life-saving gift.
How can organ donation save lives?
Organ donation allows healthy organs and tissues from a deceased person to be transplanted into patients who need them, potentially saving multiple lives and significantly improving the recipients' quality of life.