Nelson Fernández, the grieving widower of Carlos Arturo Acosta Fajardo—one of the five Cuban victims who tragically perished in the Amazon plane crash at Miami International Airport—recently attended the funeral home carrying his husband's ashes.
During the memorial service, as reported by Univision Miami, Fernández portrayed his late partner as "an exceptional, unique, and irreplaceable individual," encapsulating his profound sorrow with the poignant phrase: "A part of me died; he took my life with him."
On the fateful day of the accident, Fernández grew increasingly anxious when Carlos failed to make his usual call upon arriving at work.
The couple's love story began in Cuba six years prior, and they had been married for three years.
The tragedy struck doubly hard as Carlos’s birthday fell on September 11th, just five days after the accident. "No birthday celebration, only the farewell of a deeply loved one," Fernández expressed tearfully.
Reflecting on his husband, he added, "His absence is unbearable. I love him deeply."
In Cuba, Carlos was a mechanical engineer and had aspirations to pursue aviation engineering in the United States.
His family shared a statement through their legal representatives, describing him as "an extraordinary human being, a loving husband, a devoted son, a cherished friend, and a respected colleague."
Carlos is survived by his parents, who remain in Cuba, in addition to his husband.
The attorney representing Nelson Fernández, Jorge P. Gutiérrez Jr., announced forthcoming legal action: "We intend to file a lawsuit by next week," he stated during the funeral services.
Acosta Fajardo was employed by Professional Ocean Service Corporation, an airport cleaning company. On September 6th, he was in a van with coworkers after their shift when the Boeing 767-300, operating as Amazon Air Flight 7598 by 21 Air, overran the runway 30, breached the perimeter fence, and collided with their vehicle.
All five victims were of Cuban descent: Javierky Reyes Quevedo, Rolando Alemán León, Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo, Julio C. Pineda, and Acosta Fajardo himself.
Two individuals survived: Ridoel Averhoff Díaz, who remains in critical condition, and Roosevelt Sebastián Perdomo Torres, who is stable.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings from the black boxes suggest a failed go-around attempt, with throttles at full power just seconds before impact and no deployment of air brakes or thrust reversers.
At least two civil lawsuits have been filed prior to this Monday: one by the widow of Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo and another by the survivor Roosevelt Perdomo Torres.
Legal and Investigative Developments in Miami Plane Crash
What legal actions are being pursued following the Miami plane crash?
Attorney Jorge P. Gutiérrez Jr. announced plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of Nelson Fernández. Additionally, two civil lawsuits have already been filed by the widow of Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo and the survivor Roosevelt Perdomo Torres.
What did the preliminary investigation by the NTSB reveal about the crash?
The NTSB's preliminary findings from the black boxes indicate a possible failed attempt at a go-around, with the plane's throttles at full power just before impact, and no air brakes or thrust reversers were deployed.