Eriangel Torres Gutiérrez, a 23-year-old Cuban who suffered severe injuries in a gas explosion at a Monterrey residence, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.
The tragic news was shared by his cousin, Milagro Gutiérrez Millán, on social media, conveying the immense sorrow felt by a family forced to endure this tragedy from afar, in Cuba.
"My cousin has passed away, full of life, just a 23-year-old boy. He has left an immeasurable void in our hearts," she commented on a CiberCuba Facebook post.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences and grief from friends, coworkers, and acquaintances of the young man, both in Mexico and Cuba.
The Explosion and Its Aftermath
The catastrophe unfolded on the morning of Thursday, August 6, when a powerful explosion demolished much of the second floor of a house on Macario Pérez Street in the Buenos Aires neighborhood, located in southern Monterrey.
Eriangel, affectionately known as Erick by those close to him, had been renting a room in that house for about a year.
Preliminary findings from Monterrey's Civil Protection suggested a potential gas buildup, although the exact cause of the disaster was still under investigation by authorities.
Local residents claimed that, approximately six months prior, a gas leak had been reported in front of the home and alleged that the repairs made at the time were temporary. However, this has not been officially confirmed as the cause of the explosion.
A Community in Mourning
Despite the severe injuries he sustained, Eriangel managed to descend the stairs after the blast. Neighbors witnessed him emerge, covered in extensive burns, desperately calling for assistance.
Within minutes, personnel from Civil Protection, the Nuevo León Fire Department, and paramedics from the Medical Emergency Regulation Center arrived, rushing him to Monterrey University Hospital.
The young man suffered second and third-degree burns covering his face, torso, abdomen, arms, legs, and genital area, with injuries affecting nearly his entire body. His condition remained critical until he passed away three days following the explosion.
Eriangel was employed at Reymar Moto Partes, a motorcycle parts company in the same neighborhood. His coworkers closely monitored his condition and sought help for him shortly after the accident.
The company also issued a warning against unauthorized solicitations for money, advising, "As of now, no money is being requested. Don't fall for scams."
The Distance from Home
An especially poignant aspect of Eriangel's story was the geographic separation from his family. His mother, grandmother, and brother remained in Cuba, leaving him without immediate family support in Mexico. In his final days, his coworkers, friends, and neighbors stood by him, becoming his support network as he fought to survive.
Following his death, Fersita Garza, a colleague from Reymar Moto Partes, remembered Eriangel for the joy he brought to those around him.
"One of the best people I have ever known. Eri was always such a joyful person, and I know he's now resting in peace," she shared.
Another heartfelt message, posted by Jhonari Lugo, who had offered him a place to stay, highlighted the migration journey behind the tragedy: a young man who left Cuba with dreams of a better future beyond the island.
"The guy who died trying to leave Cuba, to see the look of amazement on your face when you find yourself in an Aurrerá, to hold on to the hope of moving forward," he expressed.
His passing once again underscores the precariousness faced by many Cuban migrants who start anew in foreign lands, often far from their families and reliant on the solidarity networks they build along the way.
In recent years, Mexico has witnessed other tragedies involving Cuban migrants, some who perished during their journey to the United States and others who died after settling in the country in search of opportunities denied in Cuba.
On Sunday, Reymar Moto Partes shared a mourning image to publicly bid farewell to Eriangel and confirm his passing.
For those in Monterrey who knew him, Eriangel is remembered as a cheerful and hardworking young man who left his family behind in pursuit of a brighter future.
Understanding the Tragedy in Monterrey
What caused the explosion in Monterrey?
Initial reports suggested a possible gas buildup as the cause of the explosion, but authorities are still investigating the exact reasons behind the incident.
How did Eriangel Torres Gutiérrez get injured?
Eriangel suffered severe burns covering most of his body due to the explosion, which resulted in second and third-degree burns.
What support did Eriangel receive after the accident?
Following the accident, Eriangel's coworkers, friends, and neighbors provided support and companionship, as he had no family in Mexico.