Canadian Family Seeks Answers After Father's Body Goes Missing in Cuba

A Canadian family is searching for answers after the body of their father, Faraj Jarjour, did not make it back to Canada from Cuba where he died during a family vacation on March 22, 2024. Jarjour, a 68-year-old man from Montreal, suffered a heart attack while swimming in the ocean near Varadero, Cuba. His body was left on a beach chair for over 8 hours before being taken to Havana, according to his daughter Miriam.

However, when a casket arrived in Canada, it contained the body of a younger Russian man, not Jarjour. The family had paid $7,300 to repatriate Jarjour's body and an additional $10,900 for the funeral. More than a month after his death, Miriam Jarjour has been emailing officials trying to find her father's body, but the authorities have not provided any answers. "The body of the stranger has been sent back to his country," said Miriam. "We are devastated and waiting for answers on the whereabouts of my father's body."

Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez apologized to Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly for the "unfortunate incident," stating that Cuban authorities are investigating to clarify what happened. Joly expressed concern for Jarjour's family, calling the situation "unimaginable." She said Canadian officials are working with Cuba to resolve the mix-up over Jarjour's body.

Why this matters: This tragic case highlights the challenges families can face when a loved one dies abroad, especially in countries with strained diplomatic relations. It emphasizes the significance of consular assistance and cooperation between nations to ensure the dignified return of citizens' remains.

Global Affairs Canada has stated they are aware of Jarjour's death and are providing consular assistance to the family, but cannot disclose further information due to privacy reasons. The funeral home involved noted that this situation is very rare and exceptional, leaving the Jarjour family and the other affected family unable to properly grieve. Despite the incident, Cuba remains a popular destination among Canadian tourists. As the Jarjour family continues to await answers and the return of Faraj Jarjour's body, Canadian and Cuban authorities are working to investigate the body mix-up and resolve this distressing situation.

Key Takeaways

• Canadian family's father died in Cuba, but wrong body returned to Canada.
• Family paid $18,200 to repatriate and bury father, but received a stranger's body.
• Cuban authorities apologized and are investigating the mix-up of the bodies.
• This case highlights challenges families face when a loved one dies abroad.
• Canadian and Cuban authorities are working to resolve this distressing situation.