Officials are asking for help in identifying a man found dead in the Straits of Florida after fleeing Cuba

KEY WEST, Florida. – Authorities need the public’s help in identifying a man who died in the Florida Strait after fleeing Cuba on a homemade boat.

On August 5, 2022, a boat with more than a dozen people on board capsized. Twelve people died at sea, only two survived.

The bodies of two of the victims were taken to the Monroe County Coroner’s Office, but the identity of one of the deceased remains a mystery.

“Cases like this are very complicated,” said U.S. Border Patrol Deputy Chief Adam Hoffner.

Identification of the remains is a joint effort between federal authorities, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the coroner and Coast Guard investigative services, and is part of the Border Patrol’s Missing Migrant Program.

However, since they have no clues, the agents turn to forensics.

“We found an artist I was able to locate in the state of Florida,” Hoffner said. “I simply contacted him by email and explained that this was a humanitarian project.”

That artist is Fernando Gajate, an officer with the Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department and retired captain of the Broward Sheriff’s Office who has used his drawing skills to solve numerous cases.

Gajate looked at the autopsy photos and studied the forensic report to prepare an autopsy sketch.

In other words: to bring the man to life.

“The body was well preserved. They took some pictures,” Gajate said. “I don’t want to take any artistic liberties.”

The man is estimated to be 1.68 m tall and has unusual earlobes.

Authorities believe he and the others left Cuba around July 28, 2022.

For Gajate, the work is a personal matter.

“As a Cuban myself, I understand the plight of the migrants and their desperation,” he said.

Anyone with information can call 954-541-4744.

You may also send an email to [email protected].

Or reach Janine Stanwood on Twitter or Instagram @janinewplg