Tragedy in Colombia: Trans Woman’s Death Sparks International Outrage

In a devastating incident that has sparked international outrage, 32-year-old Sara Millerey González, a transgender woman in Colombia, lost her life after suffering horrific violence while bystanders callously recorded her struggle instead of offering help. The case has sent shockwaves through human rights communities worldwide and prompted strong condemnation from Colombia’s highest officials.

A Mother’s Heartbreak and Bystanders’ Indifference

On April 4, Sandra Borja received the phone call every parent dreads. Her sister informed her that her daughter, Sara, was drowning in La García ravine in the Playa Rica neighborhood of Bello, Colombia. When Sandra arrived at the scene, she was confronted with the unimaginable—her daughter clinging to a branch in muddy waters, visibly injured, while a crowd stood by filming on their phones.

“My first reaction was to throw myself into the river,” Sandra told EL PAÍS in a heartbreaking interview. “I shouted to her: ‘Sweetheart, sweetheart, hold tight, hold on to that branch!'” Sara’s response would be her final words to her mother: “Mum, I’m going to die.”

Disturbing Details Emerge About the Attack

According to Amnesty International, Sara endured unimaginable violence before being thrown into the river. Reports indicate she was sexually assaulted and had her arms and legs broken, leaving her unable to swim to safety. Officials believe local criminal gangs may have targeted her specifically because of her gender identity.

What makes this tragedy even more disturbing is the callous behavior of those present. A relative told El Colombiano that onlookers actively discouraged others from helping Sara. “There were some guys standing there, also with their cell phones recording what was happening to her, and they said not to help her,” the relative recalled. “So there was fear of intervening for fear of being shot.”

Eventually, firefighters rescued Sara and rushed her to La María Hospital in central Bello. Despite medical intervention, Sara passed away the following day from hyperthermia, punctured lungs, and after suffering two cardiac arrests.

Colombia’s Leaders Condemn the Hate Crime

The Colombian government has responded with strong condemnation. President Gustavo Petro didn’t mince words, describing the incident as “fascism” and drawing parallels to historical atrocities.

“I’m criticised for speaking about Nazism. I know perfectly well that fascism is the violent elimination of human differences: political, religious, ethnic, sexual freedom,” Petro posted on social media. “What happened in Bello is called fascism, because there are Nazis in Colombia.”

Bello Mayor Lorena González Ospina echoed these sentiments, stating that Sara “was the victim of an atrocious and hateful act” and noting that the viral spread of the video exemplifies the “indifference” some harbor toward transgender lives. “We cannot allow transphobia to keep taking lives in silence,” she emphasized.

The Search for Justice Begins

Authorities are actively pursuing those responsible for this heinous crime. The government has offered a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately £8,800) for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

As dozens gathered for Sara’s funeral on April 8, the community’s grief has transformed into calls for justice and greater protections for transgender individuals in Colombia and throughout Latin America, where violence against LGBTQ+ people continues to be a significant human rights concern.

A Global Call for Transgender Rights

Sara’s tragic story has resonated globally, highlighting the daily dangers faced by transgender individuals. Human rights organizations have pointed to this case as evidence of the urgent need for stronger protections for transgender people and comprehensive hate crime legislation.

As the investigation continues, Sara Millerey González’s story serves as a painful reminder of how far society still needs to go to ensure safety, dignity, and respect for transgender individuals. Her memory now fuels a movement demanding accountability and change.

This case stands as a stark reminder that indifference in the face of violence makes us all complicit. Sara’s life mattered, and her death cannot be in vain. As the world watches Colombia’s response to this tragedy, many hope it will become a catalyst for meaningful change in how societies protect their most vulnerable citizens.