The Board of Directors, the General Directorate of Alianza Educativa, and the leadership team of Colegio Santiago de las Atalayas express to the public, the media, and the general public our deepest sorrow and dismay at the passing of our beloved teacher and colleague, Kevin Santiago Ángel Garzón, who had been missing since May 20.

Today, society loses an extraordinary human being and an exemplary educator from Colegio Santiago de las Atalayas. Kevin Santiago was a man of deep vocation, whose empathy, dedication, and human warmth left an indelible mark on his students, colleagues, and our entire community. His passing, under these circumstances that fill us with mourning today, leaves an irreparable void in the hearts of all of us who were fortunate enough to share time with him. In light of this painful event, we respectfully request that the competent authorities act with the necessary speed and rigor in their investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident.

To honor his life and legacy, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26, will be a day of mourning at the institution and, therefore, there will be no classes. Likewise, we invite all citizens and the educational community to join a candlelight vigil in his memory next Wednesday, May 27, at 2:00 PM at the facilities of Colegio Santiago de las Atalayas. We ask those who join us to bring a white candle and a garment of the same color, as a symbol of love, respect, and the eternal rest of our beloved Kevin.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, the District Secretariat of Education, the District Secretariat of Security and Coexistence, and other public and private institutions and authorities that supported us in the search efforts. We also thank the family members, friends, and colleagues who mobilized tirelessly, driven by affection and respect, as well as our entire educational community—students and parents—who expressed their solidarity. That network of support is our greatest source of strength today.

We extend a heartfelt and profound embrace to Professor Kevin Santiago’s family, asking everyone to maintain the utmost respect, love, and prudence toward his loved ones during these days of such pain. His light and dedication will never be forgotten.

Alianza Educativa Colegio Santiago de las Atalayas