Heriberto Llanez García, an elderly Cuban who had been missing since November in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, was discovered deceased on Tuesday night, as confirmed by a family member on social media.
"Rest in peace, Uncle Iñe. We will always remember you for being so family-oriented. You were loved by everyone, uncle. We will miss you dearly. Fly high. It eases our pain to know you're not alone, as I believe my dad was waiting with open arms to give you the hug you couldn't share eight years ago," wrote Lisney Ramos, the elderly man's niece, on Facebook.
Regarding the cause of death, activist Irma Broek indicated in the comments section of a news post on La Tijera that the elderly man's remains were found hanging from a tree, suggesting he may have committed suicide by hanging.
"He was found in Loma de Cunagua, hanged. How sad! They say he had been there for quite some time," another internet user noted.
Rising Stress and Mental Health Concerns
"This is very distressing news. The level of stress Cubans are subjected to is overwhelming. Many can't bear it and choose the worst way to end what they can't endure or don't wish to face anymore," Broek expressed in another social media post.
She added, "In these times, it's crucial for family members to be vigilant for any emotional changes in a family member. Depression is a very silent disease and can lead to the worst outcomes."
In forums where the unfortunate discovery was shared, hundreds of netizens mourn the sad fate of the elderly man, whose disappearance was well-known due to his family's persistent plea for help over several weeks.
The Disappearance
On November 11, 2024, Heriberto left home wearing light clothing, a cap, and gray sneakers, but never returned. He was last seen at the Bolivia bus stop near the Rotonda de Oro Negro in Morón. Despite relentless search efforts by his family, there was no trace of him until yesterday.
As of the writing of this article, Yamika Llanez Villanueva, the elderly man's daughter who tirelessly requested assistance on social media to locate her father, has not provided any updates.
In previous messages, Yamilka mentioned she searched various areas, including Cunagua, the 21, and Ranchón La Pata, but to no avail. "He must have changed a lot by now," the grieving daughter had said, clinging to the hope of finding her father alive. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
In recent years, coinciding with the rise of violence in Cuba, reports of missing individuals have become increasingly common, sparking concern among families who, lacking an official channel to highlight these cases, turn desperately to social media and independent outlets for assistance in locating their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Persons in Cuba
Why are reports of missing persons increasing in Cuba?
The rise in reports of missing persons in Cuba is linked to increasing violence and the lack of official channels to address these cases, prompting families to seek help through social media and independent media outlets.
What steps can families take if a loved one goes missing in Cuba?
Families can actively use social media to spread awareness, reach out to independent news outlets, and continuously engage the community to gather information and support in locating their missing loved ones.