Victims killed in cargo plane crash were dedicated to their families, attorney says

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Two men who were killed when a cargo plane overran a runway and struck their work van at Miami International Airport on Sunday were supporting their families, including loved ones in Cuba, their attorney said on Wednesday.

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Carlos Acosta Fajardo was working to support his family, including his parents in Cuba, relatives and an attorney said.

“Carlos Acosta Fajardo leaves behind a spouse, a gentleman who is a spouse and partner for a significant period of time,” attorney George Gutierrez said. “And his two parents live in Cuba.”

Gutierrez said Acosta Fajardo, 53, had worked for Professional Ocean Service Corp. for years.

His family described him as an incredible person who was deeply loved by the people who knew him.

Javierkys Reyes Quevedo was also inside that van.

The 47-year-old leaves behind two brothers and a young daughter in Cuba.

His family is absolutely heartbroken.

“Javierkys works for the cleaning company and was in the van at the time,” a family member said. “He leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter in Cuba that he provided and cared for and was a great father.”

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Gutierrez said the men were simply doing their jobs.

They started their day early and, he said, they were traveling in the place they were supposed to be when the plane overran the runway and struck their van.

“And it should not have happened as a result of the negligence of a number of individuals that didn’t do what they were supposed to do,” Gutierrez said.

The Gutierrez Firm will now conduct its own independent investigation to determine what happened and who is responsible.

Gutierrez said his team is also waiting for the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings, which are expected in the coming weeks.

“It’s premature at this point to give information as to specifically what we’re going to do, but every case we handle, we’re going to investigate and uncover everything so that we can get a fair and just result for these families who have tragically lost loved ones as a result of no negligence of themselves,” Gutierrez said.

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