A DEVASTATED family says they’re trapped in a legal maze after a 39-year-old dad died beside his wife on a flight home.
His body is still overseas, and red tape stands in the way of bringing him back.
39-year-old Andres Castro died of a heart attack mid-flight while sitting next to his wife on their way home from a birthday trip in Bolivia[/caption]
Officials told the family it could cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport his remains back to Oregon[/caption]
Castro leaves behind his young son, AJ, along with his parents and siblings[/caption]
The Oregon father fell ill on a plane returning from Bolivia; pilots diverted to Colombia, where medics rushed aboard.
He was taken to a hospital but could not be revived, relatives said.
Loved ones later said he suffered a fatal heart attack.
He was identified as Andres Castro.
Castro had been traveling with his wife, Suanny, after marking both of their birthdays and visiting her family.
He leaves behind his young son, AJ, along with his parents and siblings.
His remains are in Colombia as the family scrambles to cover costs and navigate the process.
Officials told the family it could cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport him back to Oregon.
“It’s a process with the embassy and my family,” his sister Tiffany explained.
“We’re all just trying to work together to figure it out.”
A GoFundMe launched Monday aims to help with expenses as the family also cares for their ill mother.
According to Smart Cremation, transporting remains can be costly – domestic flights can run $1,000 to $5,000, while international moves often range from $4,000 to $15,000 or more.
In an August 28 update, the family said Colombia’s forensic authority, Medicina Legal, is holding the body until an official ID is made by fingerprints, dental records, or DNA.
With help from the US Consulate in Bogotá, officials contacted the Oregon DMV, FBI, and US Passport Agency, but none had fingerprint records for Castro.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging heart muscle.
Common symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Pain radiating to arm, neck, or jaw
Risk Factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history, and stress
Prevention Tips:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Manage stress
- Get regular medical check-ups
Call emergency services immediately if symptoms appear
Relatives tracked down his dental records from 1999 and submitted them, but authorities warned that the files may be too old and will still take time to verify.
At the same time, the family is pushing the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release visa fingerprint records directly to Medicina Legal.
DNA testing remains a last resort and could take months, they said.
“Time is critical – the body is on dry ice because the medical examiner’s office lacks refrigeration and denied embalming.”
The family has already contracted funeral services and fears he may soon be unfit for transport or a viewing.
“This is not a grief we ever imagined facing so soon,” his brother Teo Ramirez said.
“We all miss him. We just can’t believe he’s gone,” Tiffany told local CBS affiliate KOIN.
“I feel broken, our whole family, it’s hard, trying to keep it together the best that we can,” she said.
“We put our trust in God and know that He will provide a path forward. He always makes a way,” Ramirez wrote.
The family has reached out to Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon for help.
Wyden’s office said it’s working with the US Embassy in Colombia to assist.
“It’s just hard to believe that he’s not here,” Tiffany added.
The online fundraiser has already pulled in more than $23,000 toward its $25,000 goal.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for walking alongside us in this difficult journey,” Ramirez said.
Castro’s remains are in Colombia as the family scrambles to cover costs and navigate the process[/caption]
