LIMA, Peru – The death of Pavel Alling Peña, Michael (Michel) Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa has gained media attention in recent days. The four died after a maritime incident in which a boat from Florida and Cuban security forces were involved, in circumstances still under investigation and with conflicting versions of what happened.
While Havana maintains that it was a hostile operation organized from abroad, relatives and friends in the United States describe the deceased as ordinary migrants, workers and figures with no proven links to armed structures.
These are the profiles of each one, prepared from the information available so far.
Michael (Michel) Ortega Casanova
Michael (Michel) Ortega Casanova, 54 years old and a native of Morón (Ciego de Ávila), was the first victim whose death was officially confirmed from the Island after Wednesday’s incident.
He lived in Tampa, where he ran a transportation company and led a stable family life, according to statements from sources close to journalist Mario J Pentón.
His brother stated in an interview that he was unaware of any connection with armed actions and stressed that he was not active in groups of that type. Ortega Casanova participated in Cuban exile activities and was a member of the Republican Party of Cuba.
The Casa Cuba organization, in Tampa, declared three days of mourning in his honor, while his relatives question the official Cuban version and claim to have not received direct information from US authorities about the investigation.
Pavel Alling Peña
A native of Camagüey, Pavel Alling Peña had a degree in Art History, a literature professor and writer, recognized for his intellectual profile and his reflections on Cuban national identity on social networks.
Through Instagram, in one of his last publications he had expressed his rejection of annexationism and defended the sovereignty of Cuba, stating that the country is “a collective heartbeat” and that he would not exchange independence for an annexation to Cuba. USA.
His death has caused shock among students and cultural acquaintances, in addition to raising questions about his presence on the intercepted vessel.
Hector Duani Cruz Correa
Héctor Duani Cruz Correa, 42, was identified with variations in his name by Florida authorities and by the Cuban Government. His wife reported him missing hours before his death was confirmed, after several days without hearing from him.
He worked as a bricklayer and carried out maintenance work on a home in Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys, from whose marina the boat involved in the incident was reported stolen.
His partner described him as a man dedicated to work and his family, without political or military ties, and highlighted his calm and reserved character.
“No, he doesn’t belong to anything, he is the noblest, healthiest person, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t mess with anyone, the only thing he does is do good and work,” declared the widow.
Ledián Padrón Guevara
Information about Ledián Padrón Guevara is limited. According to testimonies from those around him, he lived in Houston and recently moved to Miami, where he began training with a view to participating in an action against the Cuban regime.
Originally from Camagüey and barely 25 years old, he was the youngest of those killed in the armed confrontation. His social media profile suggests artistic aspirations, including singing, although further details of his personal career or motivations are unknown.
Relatives said in an interview with journalist Javier Díaz of Univisión that the group did not consider itself terrorist and that its intention was to “fight for Cuba,” with the expectation that the population would join.
According to these versions, the operation would have been planned for a long time by Cubans living in Miami, initially coordinated through TikTok and with subsequent training on a farm in South Florida.
