The recent passing of young Cuban boxer Daikel Gé Arias, originally from Guantánamo, has been confirmed through multiple posts shared on Facebook by individuals connected to sports on the island.
As of now, there are no official statements from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) or the Cuban Ministry of Public Health regarding the cause of his death.
Irma Lidia Broek, a Facebook user, claimed on her profile that the athlete died "due to cardiac arrest caused by the virus affecting several provinces." She expressed that "Guantánamo is in mourning" and lamented that Cuban boxing has lost "a promising talent who climbed the high-performance pyramid in the 57 kg division."
Nevertheless, in a later post, the same source attributed the death to the healthcare crisis and the lack of medications in Cuba.
"The young boxer did not die from the virus; it was communism that killed him. It was the lack of supplies and medicines in Cuban hospitals. (...) The virus does not kill if detected in time, but in Cuba, there aren't even reagents to diagnose the disease," Broek stated, also denouncing the collapse of the hospital system and the authorities' lack of response.
Meanwhile, user Leandro Peña Gutiérrez wrote on his profile: "Daikel Gé Arias suffered an unexpected respiratory arrest that took this young man full of dreams and potential. He leaves a tremendous void in his family, a loving child, and an indelible memory in the lives of countless friends who admired his nobility, good behavior, and values."
The page Boxeo Knockout, which follows Cuban athletes, also mourned his death, describing him as "a talent from Guantánamo" who left us at just 24 years old.
"Today, the sky of Cuban boxing is clouded with immense sadness," the profile administrators wrote. "Our commitment is and will always be to honor his memory, keeping his spirit alive. Rest In Peace and Eternal Glory!"
While all posts express sorrow over the young athlete's death, the precise causes remain unconfirmed officially. Some sources mention "respiratory arrest" or "cardiac arrest," while others link his passing to a virus reportedly affecting several eastern provinces of Cuba.
At the time of writing, Cuban authorities have not issued a public statement on the case, nor have they announced if the death will be investigated or acknowledged by the country's sports institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions on Daikel Gé Arias's Passing
What caused Daikel Gé Arias's death?
The exact cause of Daikel Gé Arias's death has not been officially confirmed. Some reports suggest a cardiac arrest linked to a virus, while others blame the healthcare crisis in Cuba.
Has there been any official response from Cuban authorities?
As of now, Cuban authorities have not released any public statement regarding the death of Daikel Gé Arias, nor have they indicated if it will be investigated.