HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) — The eldest son of the late Cuban president Fidel Castro committed suicide on Thursday, state media reported. He was 68 years old.
“Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, who had been treated by a group of doctors for several months due to deep depression, took his life this morning,” Cuba’s official newspaper Granma reported.
“Fidelito” — as he was known on island nation — had initially been hospitalized for his condition and then continued with outpatient follow-ups.
Born on September 1, 1949, he was the son of the revolutionary Castro’s first marriage to Mirta Diaz-Balart.
A scientist who trained in the former Soviet Union, Fidel Jr helped usher in the development of a nuclear power program in the Communist-ruled country.
At the time of his death, he had served as a scientific adviser to the Cuban government and was vice president of the country’s Academy of Sciences.
Funeral arrangements will be made by the family, state media said.
© Agence France-Presse