What was supposed to be the final step in a heart-wrenching journey has turned into yet another nightmare for the family of Elianis Betsalie Toro Martínez, a young Cuban dancer tragically killed in the armed attack and fire at Lacoss bar in Puebla.
Despite reports from various official and media sources in Mexico that the Cuban government would handle the repatriation of her remains, the stark reality hit her parents hard. The Mexican funeral home has informed them that they need to pay $2,500 to send her ashes back to the island.
The news was confirmed by Reto Diario, which reported that while Cuba covered the funeral and cremation expenses, it did not include the cost of international transport. This contradicts what the family had been previously assured—that the Cuban state would take care of all expenses.
The publication Cambio, through a report by journalist Karla Hernández, also verified the situation, noting that Elianis' parents are now "stranded in Puebla" without the means to gather the amount demanded by the funeral home.
Having arrived in Mexico devastated, with humanitarian visas and faith in their government's intervention, they now find themselves trapped in an emotional and financial limbo, unable to return to Cuba with their only daughter's ashes.
Journalist Martha Berra, who has been closely following the case for A Tiempo, confirmed on X that the funeral home is demanding $2,500 because Cuba "only paid for funeral and cremation expenses." Her message highlighted that the family is experiencing a new phase of distress.
This twist in the story comes mere hours after official statements in several Mexican outlets suggested otherwise. In a prior interview with A Tiempo Noticias, prosecutor Idamis Pastor confirmed authorizing Elianis' body's cremation. The outlet reported that the Cuban government would cover both funeral and repatriation costs—a claim touted as "unprecedented" since cremation is not typically approved during ongoing investigations.
Until yesterday, it was believed that Cuba was facilitating Elianis' repatriation "in accordance with the family's wishes," as informed by the Cuban Consulate in Mexico. However, today, the family is confronted with a starkly different reality.
Elianis, who was the mother of a young child and the main financial support for her family in Holguín, died from carbon monoxide poisoning during the Lacoss bar attack. Her parents initially identified her only via video call due to lack of resources to travel. Once they finally arrived in Puebla, they identified her body, completed the paperwork, and were under the impression that the repatriation was assured.
Now, they find themselves penniless, without answers, and unable to return to Cuba with their daughter's remains. The funeral home will not release the urn until the $2,500 is paid. Meanwhile, no Cuban authority has clarified why the promise to cover the transfer was not fulfilled or if any further support will be provided.
The Puebla State Attorney General's Office has confirmed the arrest of Gabriel N., known as "El Tato," suspected of being responsible for the attack. This arrest, achieved through an interagency operation, marks the first step toward justice for the young woman's family.
Key Questions on Elianis' Repatriation Dilemma
Why is the Cuban government not covering the cost of repatriating Elianis' ashes?
It appears that the Cuban government only covered funeral and cremation expenses, excluding the international transport cost. This contradicts previous assurances to the family that all expenses would be covered.
What are the parents of Elianis doing to resolve the situation?
Elianis' parents are currently stuck in Puebla, unable to gather the funds required by the funeral home. They are waiting for clarification and additional support from the Cuban government.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Lacoss bar attack?
Gabriel N., also known as "El Tato," has been arrested as a suspect in the Lacoss bar attack. This marks the first step towards justice for Elianis and her family.