José Díaz, a 33-year-old young man from Huelva, died this Monday after a long fight against the consequences of brain necrosis that he suffered three years ago. This devastating condition robbed him of his sight, speech, and much of his mobility, plunging him into a state of extreme dependency. After a painful journey marked by suffering, José chose to receive euthanasia, a decision that he had fervently sought for a year and a half.
According to sources close to the family, José’s wish to end his suffering came true this Monday, although his departure has left deep regret among his loved ones. Euthanasia gave him the opportunity to die with dignity, a decision that, although difficult, was respected and accompanied by those who loved him. His brave choice has reignited the debate about the right to a dignified death and has highlighted the importance of respecting the autonomy and will of people in similar situations.
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The date was agreed in advance
Díaz’s battle to achieve his goal began more than a year and a half ago, when he realized that he would not recover his vision or his ability to communicate, and as his mobility progressively deteriorated, he decided that he did not want to continue living in those conditions. . On February 22, the Guarantee and Evaluation Commission for the provision of aid in dying authorized euthanasia, and he and his family agreed on the date of April 1 to carry out the procedure.
The media echoed these events, and Antena Huelva Radio was able to interview Díaz’s sister and mother. “Let him know that he is not alone,” the sister said, adding that she was struggling with him. “The decision my son has made is very hard,” said the mother. In addition, she stressed that she did not want his suffering to go through another family, that this story serves to prevent others from going through the same thing.
Origin of the disease
The origin of his illness dates back to a tragic domestic accident in 2021, when he suffered methanol poisoning that left him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital in Huelva for several months, leaving him with irreversible brain damage. Despite two previous requests, the process was sometimes hampered by the conscientious objection of some doctors, which further delayed the realization of his wish.
Effective June 2021
The Euthanasia Law, which came into force in June 2021, established that the benefit could be granted approximately five weeks after the first request, but reality has shown that the deadlines are usually extended, as evidenced by the long wait of José Díaz and his family.
The family, although heartbroken by the loss, is relieved that José was able to find the peace he longed for, fulfilling his wish to end his suffering in a dignified and painless manner. His brave fight has opened a debate about the right to a dignified death and the importance of ensuring that people in similar situations can exercise their autonomy and receive the help necessary to die with dignity.
