Cuban Doctor Passes Away After Days in Hospital Following Traffic Accident in Camagüey

The esteemed Cuban doctor, Carmen Proenza Rodríguez, a well-known retired physician in Camagüey, has passed away after being in a critical condition for several days due to severe injuries sustained in a traffic accident. The incident involved a motorcyclist who, according to family and witness reports, initially fled the scene.

The Provincial Directorate of Public Health in Camagüey, where Proenza dedicated many years of service, confirmed her passing and extended their condolences to her family, friends, and former colleagues.

"Her dedication, commitment, and human qualities left an indelible mark on those of us who had the privilege to know her," the health institution stated upon announcing her death.

Details of the Tragic Accident

According to independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, Carmen was a passenger on a motorized bicycle at the time of the accident, which occurred near the Ignacio Agramonte Provincial Museum.

A red Honda motorcycle, reportedly operating without a license plate, attempted to overtake and collided from behind with the motorized bicycle.

Tan Estrada reported that the motorcyclist stopped a short distance away to inspect his vehicle and then left the scene, leaving Carmen severely injured.

Efforts to Find the Motorcyclist

Carmen suffered critical injuries, including a fracture at the base of her skull, loss of consciousness, and nasal bleeding. Her condition worsened with respiratory difficulties, necessitating intubation during her hospital stay.

While Carmen fought for her life, her niece Yenelys Proenza Quintana turned to social media, appealing for help in identifying the motorcyclist and requesting that any information be passed directly to the authorities or the family.

"The damage is done, but this man deserves the full weight of the law," Yenelys wrote, also identifying the sought-after vehicle as a red Honda without a license plate.

Emotional Impact on the Family

Her message also highlighted a deeply painful aspect of the situation: Carmen's 85-year-old mother was hopeful for her daughter's recovery and return home.

"There's no comfort for a whole family and an 85-year-old mother waiting for her daughter to come home healthy," Yenelys expressed while Carmen was still alive.

Those close to Carmen particularly noted her devoted relationship with her mother. Mariam Nexy Baró, who lived nearby, described Carmen as a caring daughter who was constantly attentive to her mother's needs.

Community Remembers Carmen

Following the news of her passing, social media was flooded with tributes from family, neighbors, friends, and former colleagues, all remembering Proenza as a hardworking, helpful, and much-loved woman.

Norka González Rodríguez, a relative, remembered her as a "strong and hardworking" woman who was always there to help others. "You were my support," she wrote in farewell.

Other testimonials highlighted her professional achievements. Iliana Alpízar Rodríguez described her as an "excellent professional" and a "loving daughter," while Belkis Peraza recalled her as "a person beyond reproach."

One person, who claimed to have known her professionally, noted that Proenza had worked as a clinical doctor in a place known as Centenario, though CiberCuba has not independently verified this detail.

Public Outrage Over the Incident

The circumstances surrounding the accident have sparked outrage among Camagüey residents, particularly due to allegations that the motorcyclist fled the scene after the collision.

Subsequent reports by Tan Estrada and other local sources suggested that authorities have apprehended the driver. However, details about his identity or possible charges have not been publicly disclosed.