This Tuesday at noon, the lifeless body of the young man César Valentín Pérez García was located in a river in Songo La Maya, better known as "El Saltadero," who jumped into the river this Monday and did not resurface, according to eyewitness testimony.
Images shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta showed the anticipation of dozens of people gathered by the river as divers and relatives of César attempted to locate the body.
After the discovery, family members who were present at the scene were devastated by the loss of the young man.
Previously, it was reported that the people who were with him at the time of the incident raised the alarm immediately, notifying the authorities in Santiago.
However -according to statements from witnesses cited by Mayeta- the authorities did not arrive at the scene until this morning and with "only two divers."
The Fire Department would have explained that their regulations prevent them from conducting nighttime searches to safeguard the safety of their personnel.
However, family members, friends, and neighbors stayed by the river all night and continued the search using their own resources.
Dismay at the loss of the young man
Expressions of grief and solidarity have swiftly appeared on social media.
"I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him, a hardworking young man who was always looking for ways to help his family", noted a source close to the young man.
Other friends and acquaintances have also shared their memories and sadness, describing César as a kind-hearted and very supportive person.
"What a great pain for that family!" "César, a good kid, intelligent, a fighter... Why is life so unfair?"; "A good kid, I saw him grow up"; "So affectionate and kind... Rest in peace, my boy," wrote some of the hundreds of internet users who have mourned the untimely loss.
Several neighbors pointed out the limited presence of rescuers and the lack of resources to handle situations like this, while others criticized that, in such a dramatic moment, there were individuals recording the family's pain.
As of the closure of this report, no other details about the tragic event have emerged.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragedy in the Santiago de Cuba River
Who was César Valentín Pérez García and what happened to him?
César Valentín Pérez García was a young man who was reported missing after jumping into the El Saltadero river in Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba. He was found deceased the following day, causing great distress among his friends and neighbors. He was known for his good heart and solidarity with his family and community.
Why did the authorities take so long to respond to the incident in the river?
The authorities arrived at the scene of the incident only the following morning and with limited resources, such as "only two divers." This delay was due to a regulation of the Fire Department that prohibits conducting searches at night to protect the safety of the personnel. However, this led to criticism and frustration among the family members and neighbors who continued the search on their own.
What criticisms have arisen regarding emergency management in Santiago de Cuba?
The limited presence of rescuers and the lack of resources from the authorities to handle emergency situations, such as the disappearance of individuals, have been criticized. The slow response of the rescue teams and the absence of effective protocols have also been pointed out, which has been a recurring issue in the region, affected by various recent incidents.
What actions did family and neighbors take after César's disappearance?
The family, friends, and neighbors of César stayed by the river all night and continued the search using their own resources. This action was driven by the lack of immediate response from the authorities and the desire to find the young man as soon as possible. The community demonstrated great solidarity and commitment in this tragic event.
Filed under: