Jair Maldonado Marcos Obituary, Death – Two young sailors from the Mexican Navy lost their lives over the weekend when their tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge while navigating the unpredictable currents of New York’s East River. The tragic incident has prompted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to open a formal investigation into what caused the crash, which also left several others injured.
The victims, identified as América Yamilet Sánchez, 20, and Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, were among the 277 crew members aboard the vessel during the incident. The ship, which was making its way out of New York as part of a multi-country goodwill tour, struck the bridge at around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, causing three of its towering masts to collapse. Several crew members had been standing on the masts at the time of the collision.
Sánchez, a naval cadet and engineering student at the Mexican naval academy, was reportedly on one of the masts when the ship made impact. Her family was informed by naval authorities that she was among those directly affected in the collapse. Just hours before the tragedy, Sánchez had spoken with her mother by phone, full of excitement about the ship’s next scheduled destination—Iceland. That joyful conversation would tragically become their last.
Following the incident, Sánchez’s parents made immediate arrangements to travel to Mexico City in preparation for the return of their daughter’s remains. In their hometown of Xalapa, mourners, including family and friends, gathered to pay their respects, carrying flowers and setting up a small altar in the family’s patio. A photograph of Sánchez was placed alongside flickering candles, a quiet tribute to a life lost too soon.
Jair Maldonado Marcos, the second sailor killed in the crash, was also remembered by those who knew him as a dedicated member of the naval crew. While fewer personal details about him were shared publicly, his death was equally mourned by the Mexican Navy and his loved ones.
In addition to the two fatalities, two other individuals sustained serious injuries, while over a dozen more were hurt in the crash. Despite the chaotic scene, experts say the incident could have been far worse. The ship’s steel rigging helped prevent the collapsed masts from falling directly into the river, which could have pulled more crew members into the dangerous waters below. Additionally, the fact that the sailors were harnessed into their positions prevented what might have been a cascade of falls from a height equivalent to a 12-story building.
The Cuauhtémoc, a majestic training vessel nearly 300 feet long, first set sail in 1982. Its tallest mast stands at an impressive 160 feet—about 30 feet taller than the clearance offered by the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship had docked in New York as part of a tour visiting 15 different countries, intended to promote goodwill and international cooperation.
The moment of impact brought traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge to a temporary halt, although New York City Mayor Eric Adams later confirmed that the 142-year-old landmark did not sustain any serious structural damage. The bridge, a critical connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn, was quickly reopened after officials ensured its safety.
The NTSB’s investigation will likely examine several factors, including the ship’s navigational decisions, river conditions at the time, communication between the crew and local maritime traffic control, and the height of the masts in relation to the bridge’s clearance. A full report will take time, but authorities are already collecting evidence, including crew statements, video footage, and ship logs.
The tragedy has prompted widespread grief in both the U.S. and Mexico. Mexican officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while also pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Tributes to Sánchez and Maldonado Marcos have also appeared on social media, with many honoring their service and spirit.
In a statement, the Mexican Navy acknowledged the loss of two of its young cadets and extended sympathy to their families. The ship’s goodwill mission has now been overshadowed by mourning, and memorial services are expected to be held both in New York and in Mexico in the coming days.
The Cuauhtémoc has long symbolized Mexico’s maritime pride, participating in international sailing events and fostering diplomatic connections across the globe. But this latest chapter will be remembered not for celebration, but for sorrow.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left reflecting on the dangers faced by even the most experienced crews when navigating complex waterways like the East River. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the lives of two promising young sailors were lost, and their shipmates now carry not only the weight of their memories but also the burden of continuing their voyage with heavy hearts.