Family of Montreal man who died after police altercation sees similarities to George Floyd

In a back alley nestled between rows of apartment buildings in northeast Montreal, a group of family members gathered for a vigil and prayer in memory of Abisay Cruz, a loved one who tragically lost his life during a violent police intervention. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and disbelief as they prayed for justice for Abisay, whose life was cut short on March 30. His mother, Marcelina Isidro, sat on her balcony overlooking the vigil, the same balcony where her son’s desperate cries of “Je vais mourir” or “I’m going to die” were captured in gut-wrenching video footage of the altercation with police.

The vigil, held on the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against police brutality and racism. The parallels between Abisay’s final moments and Floyd’s chilling plea of “I can’t breathe” were not lost on the grieving family members. Josué Cruz, Abisay’s younger brother, expressed his anguish over the similarities, highlighting the tragic consequences of police actions that escalate instead of de-escalate tense situations.

Abisay Cruz, a 29-year-old father to nine-year-old Enzo, was one of two individuals who died following police interventions in Montreal over a harrowing weekend in March. The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Preliminary information released by the BEI indicated that Montreal police responded to a distress call about a person in crisis, leading to an altercation with Cruz that ultimately resulted in his tragic demise.

Video footage of the police intervention captured the harrowing moments leading up to Abisay’s death, showing officers restraining him on the back balcony of his apartment. His anguished cries and struggles against the officers painted a grim picture of the violent encounter. The family has been vocal in their demand for a public coroner’s inquiry to shed light on the events that led to Abisay’s untimely death.

Friends and family members, like Cristian Bermudez, reminisced about Abisay’s kind and loyal nature, mourning the loss of a beloved individual taken too soon. Josué Cruz emphasized the need for answers and accountability, stressing that the community will continue to protest and seek justice until the truth is revealed. The impact of Abisay’s death has reverberated through the Saint-Michel neighborhood, sparking conversations about racial tensions and police interactions within marginalized communities.

As the family grapples with the devastating loss of Abisay Cruz, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and justice. The echoes of his final moments continue to resonate, serving as a somber reminder of the urgent need for police reform and accountability. The community stands united in their demand for answers, refusing to let Abisay’s memory fade into the shadows.