Ramiro Valdés, a key figure in Cuba’s revolutionary history and a longtime government official, died on June 21, 2026, at the age of 94. His passing was announced by Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, who described the loss as deeply felt, likening it to the death of a father.

Valdés was among the earliest collaborators of Fidel Castro and played a significant role in the Cuban revolution. At just 21 years old, he participated in the 1953 assault on the Moncada barracks, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the uprising against the government of Fulgencio Batista. After being exiled to Mexico alongside Castro, Valdés joined 81 others aboard the yacht Granma in 1956, an expedition that aimed to reignite the revolutionary movement in Cuba. He was one of only 12 survivors from that mission.

Born on April 28, 1932, in Artemisa, western Cuba, Valdés came from a modest background with family roots tracing back to northwest Spain. Prior to joining the revolution, he worked in an electricity company and as an assistant driver for a sugarcane truck.

During the guerrilla campaign in the Sierra Maestra mountains, Valdés served as deputy commander to Ernesto “Che” Guevara and fought alongside the Castro brothers. He was present at the decisive Battle of Santa Clara late in 1958, which contributed to Batista’s departure on January 1, 1959.

Following the revolution’s success, Valdés held a range of influential government positions over several decades. He served as interior minister, vice minister of defense, minister of information and communications, and vice president, among other roles. He was also a member of the Political Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party until 2019 and was honored with the titles “Hero of the Republic” and “Commander of the Revolution.”

Known for his close association with Cuba’s leadership, Valdés was both respected and feared. His reputation as a strict enforcer of the revolution’s internal security apparatus earned him the nickname “Pool of Blood.” He was recognized for his distinct appearance, often seen wearing olive-green fatigues and sporting a Trotsky-style goatee.

Even after Raúl Castro began transitioning power to a younger generation with the inauguration of Díaz-Canel as president in 2018, Valdés maintained a prominent role as deputy prime minister, focusing on addressing Cuba’s ongoing energy challenges. In this capacity, he was frequently seen alongside Díaz-Canel encouraging citizens to reduce electricity consumption and uphold revolutionary ideals.

Throughout his life, Valdés remained a staunch supporter of Cuba’s one-party system and revolutionary principles. Reflecting on the revolution’s legacy, he emphasized the importance of unity and popular trust in sustaining its achievements.

He is survived by his wife, Alicia Alonso Becerra, and four children.