by OREGON — A tragic mid-flight incident has left a 39-year-old Oregon father dead and his family scrambling to return his body home from South America. Andres Castro suffered a fatal heart attack while seated next to his wife during a return flight from Bolivia, cutting short what was meant to be a joyful birthday trip.
Sudden Death During Flight
According to Castro’s family, he “suddenly stopped breathing” while aboard the flight on Monday. Pilots made an emergency landing in Colombia, where emergency crews rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, Castro was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Castro was traveling with his wife, Suanny, as they celebrated each other’s birthdays and visited family in Bolivia. The couple’s son, AJ, remains in Oregon with other family members.
“This is not a grief we ever imagined facing so soon,” said Teo Ramirez, Castro’s brother, on a GoFundMe page set up to assist the family.
Family Pleads for Help to Bring Castro Home
Castro’s body currently remains in Colombia, as his family navigates the complex process of repatriation. Colombian authorities estimate that it could cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport him back to the U.S., including coordination with the embassy.
“It’s a process with the embassy and my family,” Castro’s sister, Tiffany Castro, told KOIN. “We’re all just trying to work together to figure it out.”
The family has appealed for financial and logistical support, creating a fundraiser to help cover the high costs. Teo Ramirez wrote, “We put our trust in God and know that He will provide a path forward. He always makes a way.”
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Family
Castro’s death has deeply affected his immediate family and siblings. Tiffany Castro expressed her grief, saying, “We all miss him. We just can’t believe he’s gone. I feel broken, our whole family, it’s hard, trying to keep it together the best that we can.”
Despite a 10-year age gap, Tiffany said she had never felt closer to her brother. “It’s just hard to believe that he’s not here. That’s all,” she shared.
The siblings are already caring for their mother, who began suffering from heart failure in April, adding additional strain to their lives. The fundraiser is intended to help ease the burden during this challenging time.
Efforts Underway to Return Castro to Oregon
The family has reached out to Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) for assistance in bringing Castro’s remains back to the United States. Coordinating such an effort involves working with Colombian authorities, U.S. embassy officials, and funeral services in Oregon.
The process includes preparing the body for international transport, ensuring proper documentation, and meeting health and safety regulations—procedures that contribute to the high cost.
Community Support and Fundraising
The GoFundMe page, launched by Castro’s brother, emphasizes the urgent need for community assistance to help reunite the family with their loved one. Friends, relatives, and supporters are encouraged to donate and share the campaign.
Castro leaves behind his wife, son, siblings, and parents, all of whom are grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss. The family hopes the combined support of their community, along with assistance from public officials, will allow them to bring him home and hold a proper funeral.
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Remembering Andres Castro
Andres Castro is remembered as a devoted father and husband, whose life was tragically cut short during a moment meant for celebration. His family’s story has resonated with many, highlighting both the fragility of life and the challenges families face in international emergencies.
Help the Family Bring Andres Castro Home: Support the GoFundMe campaign to assist in repatriating Castro’s body from Colombia and covering funeral expenses. Share your condolences and stay updated on the family’s efforts at ibwhsmag.com.
