Erika Deyanira Morales, the 20-year-old woman who became a national symbol in Colombia’s debate over the right to die with dignity, has passed away.
Erika was just 17 when her life changed forever. During a night out at a bar in Pasto, she was viciously attacked in the restroom—allegedly with a broken bottle. The injuries left her quadriplegic, unable to move or care for herself. Though names such as Glair Gómez and Leidy León circulated on social media as suspects, authorities have not confirmed their involvement.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Erika’s final wish was fulfilled: she was granted euthanasia, ending years of unimaginable physical and emotional suffering.
A native of Los Andes, Sotomayor (Nariño), Erika had spent the last three years fighting for autonomy over her own body and life. Communicating with assistance from her family, she repeatedly expressed her desire to undergo euthanasia—pleading for relief from the constant pain and total dependence that had become her daily reality.
Despite her pleas, her health provider, EPS Emssanar, initially denied her request. But thanks to the relentless advocacy of her sister, Tatiana Morales, and the viral public support her case garnered, Colombia’s health authorities finally approved the procedure on February 22.
On the day of Erika’s passing, Tatiana shared a tender tribute through WhatsApp: “Fly high, my beautiful angel. I love you always, little sister.” The message was accompanied by a touching photo of the sisters together, followed by an image of their hands intertwined—a symbol of their unbreakable bond.
Local media reported that Erika had been facing increasing medical complications in the days leading up to her death, though it remains unclear if those issues directly influenced the timing.
Erika’s story struck a chord across Colombia. Her struggle, strength, and the heartbreaking circumstances of her final years transformed her into a powerful voice in the movement for compassionate end-of-life choices. While her journey ends here, the legacy she leaves behind—of courage, dignity, and love—will continue to echo far beyond her short life.
Following the long-awaited approval of euthanasia for Erika Morales, her sister, Tatiana Morales, shared the profound emotional toll of standing by her sister’s painful—but resolute—decision.
“I want to express that there are so many mixed emotions,” Tatiana wrote on social media. “This isn’t easy. It’s not easy to lose a sister—my only sister. But no malicious comments matter to me today. What matters is that this was the greatest demonstration of love I could give her. That she’s finally going to be okay. That I got her voice heard. I will keep fighting for justice for Erika. The approval is official. The rest is private, and we will handle it as a family.”
The Night That Changed Everything
Erika’s life took a devastating turn on the night of August 2, 2021. Just 17 years old at the time, she had gone out with friends to a bar in Pasto, Nariño. What was meant to be a carefree evening ended in tragedy. In the restroom of the bar, Erika was violently attacked—allegedly struck with a whiskey bottle during an argument. The blow caused severe trauma, including multiple strokes and a catastrophic spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down.
The aftermath was harrowing. Erika spent months in critical condition, and only regained full consciousness a year and seven months later. But her reality had shifted completely. She could no longer move, speak freely, or even breathe on her own.
“The specialist spoke with my mother and said the prognosis wasn’t encouraging,” Tatiana told Caracol Radio, recalling the grim moment their lives changed forever.
A Family’s Fight for Dignity
Since the attack, Tatiana and her mother became Erika’s full-time caregivers, doing everything they could to offer her comfort and care—despite limited resources.
“We had to ask for help to pay the rent, to buy diapers, creams—everything a hospital would usually provide,” Tatiana explained. “We just wanted to make her feel as loved and supported as possible.”
Despite the challenges, Erika remained mentally present and deeply aware of her condition. In her final months, she made the brave and controversial decision to request euthanasia—an option allowed under Colombian law, though often surrounded by bureaucratic and ethical hurdles. Her initial request was denied by her EPS, Emssanar. But after public outcry and Tatiana’s unwavering advocacy, the procedure was finally approved on February 22, 2025.
Erika died peacefully on March 1.
Questions Still Unanswered
While Erika’s story stirred public empathy and reignited debate about the right to die with dignity, one part remains unresolved: justice.
Images of the women allegedly responsible for the attack—identified on social media as Glair Gómez and Leidy León—have circulated widely, but no official statements or arrests have been made. The case remains in legal limbo, even as Erika’s family continues to demand accountability.
