Hector L. Cotto Jr. spent more than four decades away from Puerto Rico. When he finally booked a trip back to the island for a family wedding, he was looking forward to catching up with relatives and enjoying the beach. He had not stepped foot on the island in 43 years. What was supposed to be a joyful reunion turned into a sudden nightmare on the water.
The family spent the afternoon at Buyé Beach in Cabo Rojo, a popular coastal spot on the southwestern side of the island. The trip took a devastating turn when a boat accident happened near the shore. Cotto suffered severe injuries in the crash. Emergency workers tried to help, but he died from his injuries.
Back home in Brooklyn, New York, friends and family knew Cotto as a reliable, steady presence. Relatives described him as a warm guy whose easy smile and quick humor could brighten up any room. He was the person who always checked in on people and made sure everyone felt safe.
His sudden death hit his wife, children, and stepchildren hard. One moment they were gathering for a wedding, and the next they were standing on a beach dealing with police and emergency responders. The sudden shift from celebration to loss left the whole family in complete shock.
Now his loved ones are trying to figure out how to bring Cotto’s body back to New York. Moving a deceased relative across state lines and over the ocean requires strict paperwork, coordination with local authorities in Puerto Rico, and expensive transit arrangements.
The unexpected costs have put a heavy financial strain on the family. Transport fees, along with upcoming funeral and wake costs in Brooklyn, added up fast. Family members are working hard to cover the expenses while trying to deal with their grief.
Cotto’s family has one main goal right now: bringing him back to Brooklyn for a proper goodbye. They want to hold a wake and funeral service where relatives and friends can assemble, share stories, and honor the man who gave so much care to the people around him.
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