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Senegalese Migrant Abdou Ngom Dies in Málaga After Viral Ceuta Arrival

Condolences from humanitarian organizations have poured in following the moment he was embraced by a Red Cross volunteer that humanized Europe’s migration crisis.

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Luna, voluntaria de la Cruz Roja, consolando a un migrante en Ceuta.
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Overview

  • Abdou Ngom died in Málaga on June 2 and humanitarian groups announced his passing on June 7
  • He first reached Europe by swimming into Ceuta on May 18, 2021, during a mass crossing of over 10,000 migrants at the Tarajal border
  • A photograph of Ngom being embraced by volunteer Luna on the beach became a global symbol of the migration crisis while drawing online harassment against her
  • He had lived in Lanzarote for eight months after his arrival as he sought to support his grandmother and younger brother
  • Cruz Roja and CEAR have confirmed his death but said the cause remains unknown and they are offering support to his family