Francisco Rodríguez, father of Everardo, one of the 43 from Ayotzianapa, dies; he looked for his 12-year-old son: UN

Francisco Rodríguez Morales, father of Everardo Rodríguez Bello, one of the 43 students from the Ayotzinapa Normal Rural School who disappeared in September 2014, has died after a prolonged search for his son, according to the Center for Human Rights Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez (Centro Prodh). The death comes more than a decade after the disappearance, which has remained unsolved despite international attention and ongoing demands for justice. The incident occurred on the night of September 26–27, 2014, in Iguala and Cocula, Guerrero, when students from the Raúl Isidro Burgos Normal Rural School were traveling by bus to a commemorative event in Mexico City. They were attacked by police and other armed groups, resulting in six deaths, numerous injuries, and the disappearance of 43 students, including Everardo Rodríguez Bello. His father, Francisco Rodríguez Morales, spent nearly 12 years searching for him before passing away without ever finding his son’s whereabouts. Centro Prodh, which has been supporting the families of the missing students, expressed its condolences and solidarity with the Rodriguez Bello family through social media. It noted that Francisco’s wife, Minerva Bello, had also died in 2018 without knowing the fate of their son. Both parents dedicated themselves to seeking truth and justice, even as official investigations faced criticism for inconsistencies and lack of progress. The case led to an international investigation involving independent experts and organizations such as the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR), which has been monitoring developments in the case. In a statement released on August 22, 2026, UNOHCHR expressed its sorrow over Francisco’s death and acknowledged his long struggle for clarity regarding his son’s disappearance. The organization recognized his efforts to pursue justice and truth for Everardo, whose fate remains unknown. Everardo Rodríguez Bello was 21 years old at the time of the incident. He was among the group of students targeted during a violent operation that unfolded in the early hours of September 27, 2014. The attack left the community in shock, and the government initially presented a version of events known as the "historical truth," which has since been challenged by independent investigators and human rights organizations. The Centro Prodh has continued to support the families of the disappeared, documenting alleged violations of human rights and irregularities in the handling of the case. The organization has also highlighted that the parents of the 43 students have not yet received formal notification of any findings related to their children’s disappearances. Despite years of advocacy, the search for the victims remains unresolved. The authorities have faced accusations of obstructing the investigation, with some reports suggesting that key figures, including former officials, may have played roles in concealing evidence or influencing the outcome of the case. A recent report cited testimonies indicating that individuals connected to law enforcement ordered the destruction of evidence linked to the Ayotzinapa disappearance. These claims have further complicated efforts to reach a definitive resolution. As the families continue to demand answers, the legacy of the 43 students, and their loved ones, remains a symbol of the broader struggles for accountability and transparency in Mexico. Their stories highlight the need for systemic reforms in how cases of enforced disappearance are handled, both nationally and internationally. For Francisco Rodríguez Morales, the search ended without success, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and hope for others still waiting for closure.