Professional boxer Yusniesky González has recently brought to light a disturbing account of his cousin's death in Cuba, an event that has deeply impacted family, friends, and acquaintances of the deceased.
In a heartfelt post on his Facebook profile, González shared photos alongside his late cousin, accompanied by a succinct yet poignant message:
"#RIP my cousin, may light guide your soul. They took a great man, a warrior. I'm shattered, but I must be strong for the rest of the family," he wrote.
The specifics surrounding this tragic incident remain unclear, but multiple comments from those close to the deceased—identified as "Reinier" and nicknamed "Casiguara" or "the younger Casiguara"—suggest a violent death.
A Legacy of Respect and Admiration
The outpouring of condolences on social media paints a picture of a man who was highly cherished and respected within his community. Many described him as a boxing coach, a loyal friend, and a positive influence:
"Anyone who met Reinier and had the pleasure of learning from him knows what he meant and what he conveyed. He always brought good vibes, and he was a coach who could push you," shared one commenter.
"They extinguished a great light, the best of all. I couldn't bear to see him in that box, so I hold on to all his virtues in person. Eternal light for my brother," another added.
Caridad Rivero also attested to his involvement in sports:
"A very good coach, a true friend, a personable individual. We held him in high regard, both as a person and in sports. He was my son's coach at the ranch. We valued him. This news was a huge shock for my son, losing someone so full of life."
Countless users echoed the sentiment that Reinier was a beloved figure, actively engaged in his community, and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Unanswered Questions Amid Shared Grief
Despite the flood of condolences, many expressed a lingering question: what really happened? Some directly inquired whether it was an assault, a brawl, or another kind of incident.
While some close to the situation hinted at murder, no official reports or detailed accounts have been released to confirm the circumstances.
San Luis Mourns: A Community in Pain
Though the exact location of the crime has not been officially confirmed, several messages point to San Luis, a municipality in the Pinar del Río province, as Reinier's home or residence.
A particularly revealing comment summed it up:
"Anyone who knew him is heartbroken. He was a brother, a friend, who could brighten anyone's day. He'll be missed dearly because he was one of a kind. A great friend," lamented Luis Calzadilla Rivera.
The pain expressed across social media transcends generations, places, and professions. From coaches and colleagues to former students and neighbors, there's a unanimous sentiment: a valuable man has been lost, leaving an unfathomable void.
"Stay strong, champ. What a good-hearted young man, his nobility shone as bright as the sun," wrote Adalberto Ballona.
"Tremendous loss. Excellent man and friend, well-mannered with everyone. An outstanding coworker. May God hold him in his holy glory," added Sergio E. Benítez.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not issued any official statement clarifying the events, naming suspects, or explaining the causes of death.
Although one user mentioned "They caught the culprit," no verified versions of the events have surfaced.
In recent years, Cuba has seen a troubling rise in violence and homicides, contrasting sharply with the government's long-standing narrative of the island being one of the safest in the region.
Social media, citizen reports, and independent media have documented an increase in murders, knife attacks, and violent incidents in both urban and rural areas, many linked to thefts, personal disputes, and the deteriorating living conditions.
While the government has partially acknowledged the rise in certain crimes, the lack of detailed and updated public statistics on homicides prevents an accurate assessment of the problem's magnitude, as the perception of insecurity grows among the population alongside increasing reports of impunity and inadequate response from the authorities.
Understanding the Rise in Violence in Cuba
What has led to the increase in violence in Cuba?
The rise in violence in Cuba is often attributed to deteriorating living conditions, economic hardships, and a lack of effective law enforcement, leading to more thefts, personal disputes, and violent incidents.
How has the Cuban government responded to this increase in crime?
The Cuban government has partially acknowledged the rise in crime but has not provided detailed public statistics or implemented effective measures to address the issue, leading to increasing public concern over safety and impunity.