Tragedy Strikes the Turbay Family: A Letter of Farewell
On August 11, 2025, the Turbay family suffered another heartbreak with the passing of Miguel Uribe Turbay, a former senator from the Democratic Center. His sister, María Carolina Hoyos Turbay , took to social media to express her grief through a heartfelt letter published in *Time*. This letter not only served as a farewell to her brother but also emphasized the deep pain of losing a loved one.
In her message, María Carolina conveyed her disbelief, stating, “I never imagined having to bury my brother Miguel.” Such powerful words reflect the profound shock and sorrow that enveloped the family after yet another tragedy.
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María Carolina reflected on pivotal moments in her life, recalling the painful day 34 years ago when the family buried their mother, Diana Turbay. Diana was tragically killed after six months of being kidnapped. The sorrow of those moments resonated as she recounted entering the Primada Cathedral of Bogotá, hand in hand with her brother, then just four years old. She wrote, “It was the same temple, the same silence that rumbled in my ears when, in 1991, together with his little hand, Miguel’s, I entered to say goodbye to our mother.”
Central to their experiences was the message of strength transmitted by their grandmother, Nydia. María Carolina emphasized this, saying, “Love must be stronger than this new tragedy,” a sentiment that aims to uplift the family amidst relentless grief.
In detailing Miguel’s final days, Hoyos recounted the more than eight weeks he spent hospitalized at the Santa Fe Foundation in Bogotá. She recalled him as a brave fighter, stating, “Miguel did not give up on the day of the attack. He was a true warrior.” Daily masses in the clinic’s oratory provided some comfort, and each communion prayed became strength for the family to say goodbye with serenity and gratitude .
María Carolina painted a picture of her brother as a loving father, honest son , and loyal friend . She expressed her yearning to transform his absence into actions that could benefit others. “The first way to honor him is to protect and accompany his son, Alejandro,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of family bonds that have endured through countless adversities.
María Carolina also stressed the critical role of the Solidarity Foundation for Colombia , which she currently heads. According to her letter, the Foundation has benefitted 67,948 families and over 5.8 million Colombians, illustrating the significant social impact of their work. Each of these numbers represents a unique life story transformed through her family’s legacy.
The letter also included heartfelt tributes to other family members. María Carolina honored her mother, Diana Turbay, as a courageous journalist dedicated to serving the truth, alongside their grandmother Nydia, a steadfast pillar for the family in times of adversity.
Hoyos concluded her letter by emphasizing the resilience of the Turbay family , invoking the lessons from their past in the face of tragedy. “His strength has been an example for all: neither in 1991 nor now broke,” she stated, signaling a promise to carry on the values instilled in them by previous generations. Her desire is to ensure that all future achievements will reflect the enduring spirit and legacy of Miguel Uribe Turbay.
This poignant letter serves not only as a goodbye but also as an affirmation of family unity, resilience, and commitment to honor the legacy left behind. The stories and memories shared are a testament to the profound impact Miguel Uribe Turbay had on those around him, a legacy that will undoubtedly live on through his family and their philanthropic efforts.