Medellín Security Guard Dies After Apparent Attack by Street Dweller
A family in Medellín is grappling with grief and demanding answers after the death of Sergio Alfredo Zabala Galeano, a 65-year-old security guard who succumbed to injuries sustained in an apparent assault on New Year’s Day. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about safety in the city center.
The tragic events unfolded as Zabala Galeano was preparing to return home after visiting his hospitalized wife. According to initial reports published by Q’hubo newspaper, the attack occurred between 8:00 am and 9:00 am at a bus stop on the Villahermosa route, located at the intersection of Oriental Avenue and La Playa Avenue in Medellín.
Zabala Galeano had completed his shift as a security guard in Envigado on December 31st and made a stop at the Fundadores Clinic, formerly known as the Medellín del Centro Clinic, to check on his wife before heading home. While waiting for public transportation to his residence in the Versalles neighborhood, he was approached by an individual experiencing homelessness who requested a coin. After declining the request, Zabala Galeano turned to board the bus when he felt a forceful blow to the head.
Despite the immediate impact, he managed to continue his journey home, arriving around 9:30 am. He informed his children about the incident, describing an intense headache and pinpointing the location of the blow. Shortly after, while in the bathroom, he collapsed and lost consciousness.
Family members immediately called for an ambulance, and Zabala Galeano was transported to Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, where he was intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit. He remained in critical condition until his death on Tuesday, January 6th.
Zabala Galeano had dedicated several years to working as a security guard, most recently with Miro Seguridad. He had previously been employed as a security guard at this very newspaper.
Adding to the family’s distress, they report that authorities have not yet contacted them to investigate the attack. They also have been unable to access security camera footage from the area, which could potentially identify the assailant. “They have not been contacted by the Police nor have they had access to the security cameras (SISC) to identify the aggressor,” a family member stated.
The family is now seeking justice and clarity surrounding the circumstances of Zabala Galeano’s death. They hope that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that the person responsible is brought to account for extinguishing the life of a man simply returning home after fulfilling his responsibilities.
The case underscores the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces and the urgent need for increased security measures in the heart of Medellín.
