Fidel Castro’s Oldest Son Reportedly Commits Suicide
Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart had been in a “deeply depressed state" and killed himself after months of treatment, state media reported. He was 68.
Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart. Wikimedia Commons
HAVANA—The oldest son of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro killed himself on Thursday after months of treatment for depression, state media reported. He was 68.
The official website Cubadebate said Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart had been in a “deeply depressed state.” A brief note read on state television said his treatment had “required an initial hospitalization then outpatient follow-up.”
The oldest son of Cuba’s late revolutionary leader was known for his resemblance to his father, earning him the nickname Fidelito or Little Fidel.
Castro Diaz-Balart studied nuclear physics in the former Soviet Union and served as scientific adviser to Cuba’s Council of State. He was vice president of the Cuban Academy of Sciences. He previously led its nuclear program.
Castro Diaz-Balart was born to Fidel Castro’s first wife, Mirta Diaz-Balart, a woman from Cuba’s aristocracy who Fidel married in his youth before beginning the revolutionary struggle that later brought him and his brother Raul to power.
Because of his maternal lineage, Castro Diaz-Balart is cousin to Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents Cuban exiles in Florida.
Fidel Castro, the father, died in November 2016 at age 90.
___
Andrea Rodríguez is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ARodriguezAP
AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.
Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.
Environment
A move towards a sustainable, less disposable economy that eschews luxury will address inequity and push us towards a more habitable future.
Wounds of War
In the throes of the Cold War, a tiny Caribbean island dared to wage a revolutionary experiment. As the Revo imploded, the United States invaded.
In his relentless red-baiting of Bernie Sanders, Chris Matthews reveals just how divorced he and his ilk are from our political moment.
If Democrats have any hope of unseating Donald Trump in November, they must stop smearing their party’s frontrunner and his supporters.
American intelligence agencies are the nation’s enemy from within and the Praetorian Guard of sinister forces.
The U.S. has more cynical motives as it interferes in the affairs of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.