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Rafael Cruz and Marisol Cruz

Rafael Cruz and Marisol Cruz began their relationship as teenagers in Puerto Rico and remained partners until Rafael’s death in 2022. They became parents before either had reached adulthood, moved to the Miami area, and raised Ezra and Luna together.

Origins

Marisol was fifteen when she became pregnant with Ezra, and Rafael was seventeen during the pregnancy. They were still living in Puerto Rico. Rafael found construction work that initially paid him in cash, worked long hours, and cared for Marisol when he returned home. Their Puerto Rican family network mobilized around them; Hector Burgos, Rafael’s closest friend, supported them from the beginning of the pregnancy.

Rafael had hoped to pursue music professionally, but the immediate work of supporting Marisol and their child took priority. He continued to play guitar and sing at home. Their relationship remained physically affectionate and playful: Rafael would pull Marisol close, scoop her up, dance with her, and make her laugh. His habit of showering off the construction dust, changing into a fitted shirt and clean sneakers, putting on cologne, and freeing his curls after work was part of how he returned to their shared home life.

Ezra was born on July 29, 2006. The family later moved to the Miami area, where Rafael continued in construction and Marisol and Rafael established their household in Hialeah. Luna was born in 2011.

Parenting and Family Life

Rafael worked to support the household, while both parents remained involved in raising Ezra and Luna. He played guitar and shared music with Ezra. Marisol managed the household and later protected Ezra’s earnings from his childhood work.

Rafael went ahead to the Miami area to secure work. Marisol followed with Ezra when Ezra was about two, and they reunited there before Luna was born.

Health, Access, and Caregiving

At approximately twenty-five, Rafael fell more than ten feet at a construction site after a coworker failed to place equipment properly. The injury caused permanent disability and severe chronic pain. Opioid treatment and a prolonged workers’ compensation fight followed.

Hector died in a car accident after Rafael’s injury, when Ezra was eight. Rafael became increasingly withdrawn as he lived with pain, grief, and substance dependence. Marisol remained his partner throughout the decline while also caring for their children.

Ending and Bereavement

Rafael died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2022. The relationship ended with his death after continuing from their adolescence through the family’s move, the birth of both children, Rafael’s injury, and the years of chronic pain that followed.

Relationships Romantic Relationships Rafael Cruz Marisol Cruz Cruz Family