Ferrer Ortiz Alayón, described by his family as a hardworking individual, loving father, devoted son, and caring brother, tragically lost his life in Centro Habana. He was attacked by a group of individuals after being involved in a vehicular accident, as reported on Facebook by his brother-in-law, Darel Sosa.
The incident transpired on a Saturday evening. According to the family's account, after the collision, a mob assaulted Ferrer with various blunt objects, not allowing him the chance to explain the situation or offer to cover the accident's expenses.
"The supposed tough guys cowardly ambushed him in a group, using all kinds of blunt instruments, with a fatal blow to the occipital bone," Darel Sosa detailed in his post.
The impact to the back of Ferrer's head resulted in a skull fracture and severe concussion. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors identified three blood clots in his brain. He succumbed to his injuries less than 48 hours later.
Claims of Police Negligence
The family's complaint extends beyond the attackers' violence, pointing to alleged police negligence that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Witnesses claim Ferrer was taken to the Zanja police station in Centro Habana, where he remained for approximately 17 hours without receiving medical care. The family alleges that officers mistook his incoherent state for intoxication, failing to recognize the seriousness of his injuries.
"They locked up the severely injured young man for 17 hours without medical attention, a critical period for someone with a skull fracture and severe concussion," Sosa stated.
The situation worsened as some of the attackers loitered around the station, even attempting to enter and continue their assault on Ferrer. The family claims he had to be discreetly removed from the back of the premises to avoid the mob.
"It wasn't until a compassionate officer realized his dire condition that action was taken. Yet, even then, the police unit refused to confront the mob, requiring his extraction through the back," recounted the victim's brother-in-law.
Call for Justice and Accountability
The family further alleges that the perpetrators of the attack were neither identified nor detained, nor subjected to toxicology tests, and no measures have been taken against them.
Irma Broek, who amplified the family's concerns on social media, encapsulated the demand for justice: "How did a traffic accident become a death sentence? A life cannot be worth less than the damage to a car."
The relatives of Ferrer Ortiz Alayón are calling for a transparent and independent investigation to hold accountable both the assailants and those who may have neglected their duty to care for a severely wounded person.
Rising Concerns Over Public Safety in Cuba
This case highlights a growing deterioration in public safety on the island. Earlier in February, another lynching-like crime occurred in Centro Habana, resulting in two fatalities.
In 2025, Cuba recorded 7,538 traffic accidents, resulting in 750 deaths and 6,718 injuries. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, there were already 1,234 accidents with 153 fatalities.
Months ago, a traffic accident at the intersection of San Lázaro and Lealtad in Centro Habana claimed two lives after a chain collision involving a taxi, an electric tricycle, and a bicitaxi.
Earlier this year, a fatal traffic incident occurred at Línea and 10 in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución municipality, Havana, where a woman was struck by a bus.
Questions about the Tragic Incident in Centro Habana
What led to the attack on Ferrer Ortiz Alayón?
Ferrer Ortiz Alayón was attacked by a group of individuals following a vehicular accident, without being given a chance to explain or offer compensation for the incident.
How did police negligence allegedly contribute to Ferrer's death?
The family claims that Ferrer was held at a police station for 17 hours without medical attention, as officers misinterpreted his condition as intoxication, missing the severity of his injuries.
What actions is Ferrer's family demanding?
The family is demanding a transparent and independent investigation to hold both the attackers and those responsible for neglecting Ferrer's medical needs accountable.