A 15-year-old boy from Yaguajay, located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, passed away this Tuesday after spending several days in the hospital for serious injuries sustained in early December.
According to the state-run outlet Escambray, the teen died at the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital in Villa Clara, where he was undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Dr. Ramón Aquino Lorenzo, the director of the Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, stated that the death was caused by "crushing of nearly all the abdominal viscera, including the kidneys," leading to kidney failure.
The young boy had initially undergone surgery at the Joaquín Paneca Municipal Hospital in Yaguajay, receiving further care at the José Martí Pérez Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus. Last Friday, he was transferred to the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital in Villa Clara for hemodialysis, where he remained in intensive care until his death.
Conflicting Reports and Community Reactions
Official accounts from Escambray and the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) reported that the teenager suffered injuries after falling from a wall while trying to pick guavas. Authorities indicated he lost balance and fell onto a fibrocement tank, with no evidence of violence or third-party involvement found at the scene.
Initial medical reports from the José Martí Pérez Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus described the boy as being in a critical but stable condition. Later, local authorities clarified it was an accidental incident, ruling out any signs of violence in a subsequent statement.
Speculations and Doubts
Despite these official reports, social media has been rife with messages questioning this version of events. Cuban activist Irma Lidia Broek publicly mourned the teen's death and criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the incident. She noted that "contradictory accounts" have surfaced and that "family and close acquaintances have raised the possibility of much graver circumstances, a hypothesis yet to be officially or publicly clarified."
Broek also conveyed her sorrow for the boy, identified as Josué, and emphasized the community's demand for justice due to the absence of official explanations. She extended condolences to the youth's family and friends, highlighting the emotional impact on the Sancti Spíritus community.
Another social media post, purportedly from a family member, expressed grief over the loss and hinted at a possible intentional act. The author asked for divine justice for those responsible for the boy's suffering, a statement interpreted by many as suggesting potential foul play.
Calls for Clarity and Justice
From the outset, the José Martí Pérez Pediatric Hospital dismissed circulating rumors of sexual abuse, confirming the patient was in a critical but stable state without signs of assault. Official media maintained the incident was accidental, yet calls for a thorough investigation into the injuries persisted on social platforms.
Following the news of his death, many have taken to social media to express sympathy and sorrow for the family, sharing images in remembrance of the young boy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss.
Questions Surrounding the Tragic Incident in Yaguajay
What were the circumstances of the teenager's injuries?
The official narrative suggests the boy fell from a wall while picking guavas and landed on a fibrocement tank, causing severe internal injuries.
Why are there doubts about the official account?
Messages on social media and statements from activists and family members have raised suspicions about the true nature of the incident, suggesting possible foul play.
What has the reaction been from the community?
The community has been deeply affected, calling for justice and transparency regarding the circumstances of the boy's death.