Widow of Worker Killed in Aqua Collapse Demands Justice

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The family of Mauricio Palomino Barcelata, a worker killed in a construction collapse at the Aqua residential development, is demanding a thorough and impartial investigation by the Quintana Roo state government, the state Prosecutor’s Office, and the municipality of Benito Juárez.

Palomino Barcelata died on June 5 while working on the renovation of a portico at the residential complex, according to relatives. They say a structural flaw had been reported before the collapse, but work continued until the structure gave way.

Among the evidence the family says it has handed over is a notice sent the same day to Juan Castillo, vice president of Aqua Community A.C., warning of a crack in the affected area.

The family has criticized the criminal investigation, which so far has led to the arrest of a man identified only as Amir “N.” They say investigators jumped too quickly to a single suspect and have not examined the potential liability of the companies involved in organizing, authorizing, and supervising the work. Those companies include Grupo Cumbres, Aqua Community de Cancún A.C., and TRKO.

In a public appeal, the family called on State Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar and other authorities to investigate all omissions, review contracts and construction permits, and scrutinize operational decisions to ensure the case is fully resolved.

In a recent statement, Palomino Barcelata’s widow described her anguish and uncertainty. “Losing Mauricio has been the most heartbreaking and painful thing I have ever experienced,” she said. “I don’t want his death to be reduced to a case file, nor do I want these doubts to remain unanswered. All I am asking for is truth, transparency, and justice.”

Since the collapse, prosecutors have announced only one arrest, and that person remains in custody. The family says authorities have not said how many others are being investigated for the tragedy, which they believe could have been avoided.