Érika Deyanira Morales, a young woman from Los Andes, Nariño, who became quadriplegic after a brutal attack in a bar at age 17, has passed away at 20 through legal euthanasia. Her tragic case gained national attention after she expressed her wish to end the physical and emotional suffering caused by her condition, which left her completely dependent on others for daily care.
The attack occurred in 2021 in a restroom at a Pasto bar, where Érika was reportedly struck with a whiskey bottle during an argument. The resulting spinal cord injury left her paralyzed, and though she regained consciousness over a year later, her prognosis remained bleak. Her family fought tirelessly to fulfill her final request, despite initial denials by health provider Emssanar.
After weeks of public pressure and her sister Tatiana’s advocacy, health authorities finally authorized the procedure on February 22, 2025. Érika passed away on March 1. Tatiana shared heartfelt tributes online, expressing the pain of losing her only sister but affirming her belief that she had honored Érika’s wishes with love and dignity.
Although names of the alleged attackers—Glair Gómez and Leidy León—circulated online, authorities have not confirmed their involvement, and no official arrests have been made. Erika’s death has reignited conversations about victims’ rights, healthcare barriers, and the legal right to die with dignity in Colombia.
