Family Raising Money To Bring Man Found Dead In Stamford Home To Guatemala

STAMFORD, CT — The family of a man who was found dead in Cummings Park in Stamford last week is raising money to bring him home to Guatemala.

Francisco J. Diaz-Aquino, 52, was found near the park's softball fields on the morning of Dec. 13, according to police. In a separate incident, a 50-year-old woman was found dead at a bus stop in the area of 800 E. Main St. the same morning.

Police said there were no signs of foul play in either case, and a possible contributing factor may have been exposure to the extreme cold that impacted the region. Police noted investigations are ongoing.

Diaz-Aquino's niece, Katherine Diaz, launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to repatriate Diaz-Aquino to his native Guatemala.

As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser garnered over $3,800 out of a $10,000 goal.

"Our family is heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we are doing everything we can to bring Francisco back to Guatemala so he can rest with his parents, who have also passed away," Diaz wrote in the fundraiser's description. "Repatriating a loved one is a difficult and costly process. The funds raised here will help us cover the transportation and funeral costs needed to bring Francisco home and give him a proper farewell surrounded by family and friends."

Diaz said the support from the community "means the world to us as we navigate this challenging time and honor his memory in the way he deserves."

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.