Colombian Family Struggles to Repatriate Dead Relative in Aruba

A Colombian family is facing severe financial difficulties to repatriate the body of a relative who died in Aruba. The costs associated with the medical and funeral services and also logistics involved in bringing Sergio Nicolas Castillo Hernandez back to Colombia are estimated at between US$22,500 and US$24,000 (approximately 88 and 93 million COP), an amount beyond the family’s financial reach.

Tragedy in Aruba

The tragedy unfolded on the evening of March 9, 2024, when Sergio Nicolas Castillo Hernandez, a young man from Bogota, drowned while celebrating with friends on a beach in the idyllic island. Despite his girlfriend’s attempts to rescue him and his subsequent hospitalization, he was pronounced dead by the medical staff.

Aggravating the family’s and friends’ grief, the hospital issued a bill of US$20,000 (around 78 million COP) for medical and funeral services.

According to a relative, while Sergio Nicolas Castillo Hernandez’s employer and the Colombian Consulate in Aruba have offered assistance with the repatriation process, the financial responsibility ultimately falls on the family. This means an additional cost between US$2,500 and US$4,000 (around 9.7 and 15.6 million COP) for repatriation.

Repatriation process for Colombians

In the event of a Colombian citizen’s death abroad, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines specific steps for the repatriation process. These include notifying local authorities, contacting a local Colombian consulate, determining the disposition of the body (cremation or repatriation), and covering funeral expenses.

As such, the ‘Come Back Network’ (Red Vuelve), comprising Colombian companies specializing in the repatriation process, promotes the importance of Colombians contracting insurance to cover death expenses and repatriation when traveling overseas.

How can you help Sergio’s family?

In response to the financial challenge, Sergio’s family initiated an online fundraising campaign seeking support. If you wish to donate, here is the link: https://vaki.co/es/vaki/04mC3EsmmJ5KkFMwVf4j?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=vaki-page&utm_campaign=v4