Man Died on Vacation in Cuba. The Wrong Body Was Sent to Canada.
In a bizarre and tragic mix-up, a Montreal-area woman, Miriam Jarjour, is left grappling with a heart-wrenching mystery: Where is her father’s body? After a family vacation in Varadero, Cuba, turned into a nightmare, Jarjour’s father, Faraj Allah Jarjour, tragically passed away from a heart attack while swimming. However, the return of his body to Canada was marred by a devastating error.
The family returned home to Quebec but the body that was sent with Faraj’s
certificate was not the 68-year-old father of two. (Jarjour family)
Jarjour and her family were shocked to discover that the casket they received, supposedly containing Faraj’s body, actually held the body of a Russian man, 20 years younger and entirely unrelated. Despite following the instructions provided by the Canadian consulate and paying $10,000 for the repatriation of her father’s remains, Jarjour remains in limbo, desperate for answers.
As the family navigates their grief and confusion, they encounter a bureaucratic maze, with consular authorities blaming the Cuban company responsible for the mix-up. With funeral services on hold and $25,000 already spent, Jarjour’s family is emotionally and financially drained, seeking closure and justice.
In a surprising turn, Cuba’s foreign affairs minister, Bruno Rodríguez, has personally apologized to the family, expressing condolences and promising to investigate the incident. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has also pledged support, calling the situation “unimaginable” and ensuring that Canada will assist the Jarjour family until the matter is resolved.
Despite the apology and promises of investigation, the Jarjour family remains in a painful state of uncertainty, still waiting for the return of Faraj’s body. Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that Cuban authorities have agreed to refund the family for the repatriation service and are committed to rectifying the situation promptly. As the investigation continues, Miriam Jarjour hopes that someone will help her find her father and bring an end to this harrowing ordeal.