The remains of Francisco Mayor Delis, a 71-year-old man, were left in his apartment for nearly three days in the Abel Santamaría district of Santiago de Cuba. This occurred without action from local authorities until a report was made public on Sunday by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The deceased lived in building 63, apartment 5, on the third floor in Micro 2 of the district. Neighbors last saw him alive on Thursday on his balcony; after that, he was not seen again.
A foul odor emanating from his apartment alerted building residents earlier today. According to testimony received by Mayeta Labrada, both medical professionals and police officers visited the scene, confirmed the death, but left the body inside the home awaiting a vehicle to transport it, which failed to arrive for several hours.
"Since early morning on Sunday, neighbors have been waiting as the smell permeates the building," the journalist reported. He also mentioned that one of the deceased's sons might be detained and hasn't been permitted to see his father. This claim still requires independent confirmation.
Mayeta Labrada noted that the initial complaint was anonymously submitted via Facebook, but he decided to release it as verified news only after a direct source provided photographs, the full name of the deceased, and the exact location. "Now there are direct sources, a name, a precise location, and photographic evidence. This changes the level of available information, although there are still aspects to verify," he clarified.
The journalist raised questions that residents are also asking: "Why, after several hours, does the body remain in the apartment? Is there truly no vehicle available for transport? Which institution is accountable for such situations?"
The Crisis in Cuban Funeral Services
This incident reflects a documented collapse in Cuba’s funeral services, which worsened between 2025 and 2026. In Ciego de Ávila, only eight out of 19 hearses were operational as of October 2025. In Camagüey, a single vehicle was responsible for the entire city by December that year. In Holguín, officials even blamed families for delays in corpse removal. In Pinar del Río, families resorted to carrying coffins on foot to cemeteries due to the lack of funeral transport.
The recurring issues of fuel shortages, unmaintained vehicles, and halted crematories are leaving Cuban families without support during the most challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Delays in Cuba
What reasons contribute to the delay in removing bodies in Cuba?
The primary reasons include fuel shortages, lack of maintenance for funeral vehicles, and non-operational crematories, which have led to a systemic breakdown in funeral services.
How have Cuban families coped with funeral service failures?
Families have sometimes been forced to carry coffins on foot to cemeteries and face extended waiting periods for the removal of bodies due to inadequate funeral transport.