Health3 min(s) read
Published 11:38 18 Jul 2026 GMT
The mother of a 25-year-old Spanish woman who chose euthanasia after years of trauma has launched a renewed effort to identify the men she says raped her daughter, using details allegedly recorded in the young woman's personal diary.
Noelia Castillo Ramos died on March 26 at a hospital in Barcelona under Spain's legal euthanasia framework.
The Daily Mail reported that she handed her diary to her mother, Yolanda Ramos, on the day she died.
She had reportedly endured three separate sexual assaults before turning 21, including an alleged gang rape after a night out at a nightclub.
Her mother now believes the diary contains crucial information that could help identify those responsible.
"Noelia spoke about the rapes on television, and on the very day she died, she gave me her diary. When I read it, I understood many things," Yolanda Ramos said in a video released alongside the filing of new complaints.
She hopes the information will help investigators identify the alleged attackers and move the case forward after years without arrests.
According to reports, the journal describes how she met a waiter in the Tarragona town of Salou before allegedly being drugged, given alcohol and raped by three men.
Before her death, Castillo's decision to undergo euthanasia became the subject of an 18-month legal dispute led by her father, who sought to prevent the procedure from going ahead.
Supported by Christian advocacy groups, family members argued that years of trauma, along with borderline personality disorder, affected her ability to make such a significant decision.
However, Spanish courts, followed by the European Court of Human Rights, ruled that Castillo had the mental capacity to decide to end her life under Spain's euthanasia laws.
In one of her final television interviews with Spanish broadcaster Antena 3, she defended her decision, saying: "I simply want to go in peace and stop suffering."
She also said: "The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot take precedence over the happiness of a daughter."
Castillo had been left paraplegic following a failed suicide attempt in 2022, which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury.
Her mother's campaign centers on the diary, which she says revealed details that had not previously been known.
The case attracted widespread international attention, including scrutiny from the United States State Department after leaked diplomatic cables reportedly showed officials examining how Spanish authorities handled the case and whether sufficient safeguards exist for euthanasia requests involving people with severe psychiatric conditions or trauma.
The case also became the focus of online misinformation, with some right-wing political figures and anti-immigration groups falsely claiming that Castillo had been attacked by North African immigrants.
Spanish authorities have said that although Castillo publicly disclosed surviving two sexual assaults and an attempted rape before her death, she never identified the nationalities or identities of the alleged attackers.
Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, allowing adults experiencing "serious, chronic, and disabling conditions" that cause "unbearable suffering" to request medical assistance to end their lives, even if they are not terminally ill.
The circumstances surrounding Castillo's death have fueled ongoing debate about the country's euthanasia legislation, with critics arguing that cases involving severe psychological trauma raise broader questions about mental health care, social support, and institutional protections for vulnerable people.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
4 min(s) read
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
5 min(s) read
3 min(s) read
2 min(s) read
world4 min(s) read
Published 09:53 27 Mar 2026 GMT
world5 min(s) read
world3 min(s) read
Published 12:38 31 Mar 2026 GMT
world2 min(s) read
Published 16:59 28 Mar 2026 GMT
world3 min(s) read
Warning: This article may contain some distressing information.
A 25-year-old woman shared a heartbreaking three-word message before tragically dying by euthanasia.
Noelia Castillo Ramos, who was left paraplegic following a suicide attempt after a brutal sexual assault, had opened up about her desire to end her pain.
Just days before her death, she told Spanish TV programme Y Ahora Sonsoles that she wanted to "leave in peace".
"I was very clear about it from the beginning," she said, cited by The Sun. "None of my family is in favor of euthanasia."
"Obviously, because I'm another pillar of the family. I'm leaving, and you're staying here with all the pain. But I think, all the pain I've suffered over the years... I just want to leave in peace now and stop suffering, full stop," she added.
Ramos died at a hospital near Barcelona after receiving three injections, with the procedure designed to "ensure a death without suffering".
The first two injections induced deep sedation, while the third caused cardiac arrest. It is believed that she passed away around 20 minutes after the process began.
Her mother, Yolanda Ramos, spent the final night with her at Sant Camil Hospital, alongside other family members, including her father, siblings, and grandmother.
Although the procedure was initially scheduled for 6pm, it began around 6.30pm, after Ramos asked for more time with her loved ones.
She ultimately chose to be alone in the room with the doctor administering the injections.
Ramos’s decision came after a lengthy legal fight led by her father, Geronimo Castillo, who tried to block the euthanasia with support from a conservative legal group.
Despite the challenge, courts ruled that her mental faculties were "intact" and that her decision was "free, conscious and informed" under Spain’s euthanasia laws.
The European Court of Human Rights and Spain’s Constitutional Court ultimately upheld her right to proceed, following legislation introduced in 2021 allowing assisted dying for those with "serious, chronic and disabling" conditions.
Her mother remained by her side despite being against the decision. She previously said: "I am not in favour of euthanasia, of course I am not in favour, but I will always be by her side until the very last moment, as long as she allows me."
She also shared a final plea with her loved one, which read: “These are my final words. There’s nothing more I can do. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll be there for you, but if you change your mind, I’ll be there for the good times too."
.jpg_MvNIPx?tr=cr-0.0.2124.1412,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
Ramos’s life had been marked by trauma from a young age.
She struggled with mental health issues after her parents separated, and was receiving psychiatric care by the age of 13.
She later suffered two sexual assaults, including a gang rape in a nightclub that she did not report to police. The horrific attack led to her suicide attempt on October 4, 2022, when she jumped from a fifth-floor window.
The fall left her with a severe and irreversible spinal cord injury that confined her to a wheelchair and caused constant pain that made sleep difficult.
She was also diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and another compulsive obsessive condition.
Speaking about her struggles, she said: "Before requesting euthanasia, I saw my world as very dark. I had no goals or objectives...I have always felt alone, I have never felt understood, and no one has ever empathized with me."
Her case has reignited debate around assisted dying, with critics arguing laws fail to protect vulnerable people, while supporters insist individuals should have the right to choose.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Published 17:13 26 Mar 2026 GMT
The mother of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo Ramos, who is set to die by euthanasia today, made a final plea to save her daughter’s life.
It’s a tragic story, and one that could come to a sad end today.
The 25-year-old has been the victim of three rapes, once by an ex-boyfriend and a gang rape by three boys in 2022, after which she tried to end her own life.
She jumped from the fifth storey of a building in October 2022 after previously overdosing on medication, according to legal documents.
She didn’t die from the fall but was left paraplegic, and has been experiencing severe chronic pain that leaves her with no possibility for improvement in her quality of life, according to her medical records.
Noelia, who is from Barcelona in Spain, has wanted to die for some time and has been ‘very clear’ about her intentions.
From a care home in Barcelona she said: "None of my family is in favour of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I've suffered during all these years,
"The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot be more important than the life of a daughter."
Even before she put in her request to be allowed to die, she admits that she had ‘always felt alone’ and ‘saw my world as very dark’.
The pain makes everything ‘very difficult’ for her and there is no hope for her to improve.
Speaking to Spanish TV show Y Ahora Sonsoles, Noelia said: "I want to go now in peace and stop suffering, period.”
Noelia’s father filed a legal objection to her request to be allowed euthanasia in 2024, claiming her judgment was not sound, and said that the state had an obligation ‘to protect the lives of people, especially the most vulnerable’.
He and his team also argued that Noelia changed her mind about dying a few times.
Still, a judge ruled in her favor and said they had seen ‘no evidence of a scientific or expert character has been presented to contradict the many medical reports which support the decision [to end her life]’.
There have also been appeals made by Noelia’s mom, who has begged her daughter to reconsider.
Yolanda Ramos told Spanish media that she hopes her daughter will change her mind at the last minute, but said she will remain by her side ‘until the very end’.
She also revealed an anonymous letter had been received asking if a donor could give money to help the situation.
Yolanda read that letter, which said: "[Translated from Spanish] I know it's last-minute, but is there any amount of money or support I can offer directly to Noelia and her family to help her postpone her decision?
"Perhaps with a very significant amount of money and support, she could start rebuilding her life little by little."
"I'm willing to offer everything within my power so she can receive the physical and psychological help she needs, no matter the cost.
"In the meantime, tell her I have a large apartment and two cars, and I'm also willing to pay for rent in Barcelona for her and her mother, as well as psychological and psychiatric help."
Addressing her daughter directly, Yolanda said: "Therapists for you, Noelia. These are my final words if you're watching me, just in case. Just in case you want to.
"Honestly, to hear me - because I know you're watching me. The last thing I can do for you is help you come to terms with it.
"If you can come to terms with it, without anyone taking that euthanasia away from you - if you can come to terms with it, and you want to do it, I'm here with you. Just as I'll be there for the bad times, I'll also be there for the very good times."
Despite these pleas from those closest to her, Noelia has no plans to change her mind.
"None of my family is in favor. I am a pillar of the family," she said.
"I am leaving them suffering. But what about my suffering?”
She said that she wants to ‘die looking pretty’ and will wear her prettiest dress and make-up before the procedure.
She claims she has invited her family to say goodbye, but ultimately wants to be alone in her care home room when she dies.
She will have four pictures with her at the time, one of her painting a portrait of her mother, another of a childhood pet, one from her first day of school, and another from her childhood to remind her of ‘happy’ times in her life.
Spain legalized voluntary euthanasia and assisted dying for citizens five years ago, so long as the criteria are met.
Voluntary euthanasia refers to adults being administered a lethal injection by a doctor, whereas assisted dying is prescription of drugs to a terminally ill person to be administered by the person themselves.
Only those with ‘serious and incurable’ conditions that cause ‘unbearable suffering’ can be eligible.
They must also prove that they can give informed consent to the decision.
A father's heartbreaking final act before his daughter died by assisted suicide has been revealed.
As widely reported, Noelia Castillo Ramos, a 25-year-old woman whose heartbreaking battle for the right to die made headlines around the world, passed away on March 26, 2026.
After enduring years of physical and emotional suffering, Ramos' life was ended with the assistance of a lethal cocktail of three drugs at Sant Camil Hospital near Barcelona.
Her death followed an 18-month legal battle in which her father, Geronimo Castillo, tried unsuccessfully to block her decision.
Despite his objections, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in her favor, affirming that she was mentally competent to make the choice.
In her final interviews, Ramos spoke candidly about her desire to "leave in peace" after enduring years of pain.
"Obviously, because I'm another pillar of the family. I'm leaving, and you're staying here with all the pain. But I think, all the pain I've suffered over the years... I just want to leave in peace now and stop suffering, full stop," she said Spanish TV programme Y Ahora Sonsoles.
She described a life marked by trauma, beginning with her parents' separation, and receiving psychiatric care by the age of 13.
She later suffered two sexual assaults, including a gang rape in a nightclub that she did not report to police. The horrific attack led to her suicide attempt on October 4, 2022, when she jumped from a fifth-floor window.
The fall left her with a severe and irreversible spinal cord injury that confined her to a wheelchair and caused constant pain that made sleep difficult.
She was also diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and another compulsive obsessive condition.
"Before requesting euthanasia, I saw my world as very dark," she reflected in a poignant interview hours before her death. "I had no goals or objectives...I have always felt alone, I have never felt understood, and no one has ever empathized with me."
Ramos' decision to end her life divided her family. Her mother, Yolanda Ramos, despite disagreeing with euthanasia, stayed by her side until her final moments.
"I am not in favour of euthanasia, of course I am not in favour, but I will always be by her side until the very last moment, as long as she allows me," Yolanda said.
In contrast, Ramos' father, Geronimo, was absent from her final days. Despite his efforts to keep his daughter alive against her wishes, he had stopped calling or visiting her in the days leading up to her death.
Ramos opened up about this, questioning: "Why does he want me alive just so I can stay in hospital?"
The night before her death, Ramos had requested more time with her family, and when the time came for the procedure, she chose to be alone in the room with the doctor.
The procedure, which was originally scheduled for 6PM, began around 6:30PM after she had spent those final moments with her loved ones.
The first two injections induced deep sedation, while the third caused cardiac arrest, and she passed away around 20 minutes later.
The heartbreaking final moments of Spanish national Noelia Castillo Ramos, the paralysed woman who chose euthanasia after years of suffering, have been revealed.
The 25-year-old is believed to have died on Thursday at a hospital near Barcelona, around 20 minutes after being given three injections. According to Spanish outlet Antena 3, her last words reflected her determination to end her persistent pain.
“I want to go now in peace and stop suffering,” she reportedly said. She also shared a message about her decision, adding: “The happiness of a father or mother cannot be more important than that of a daughter.”
Noelia elected to spend her final moments alone, telling those around her: “I don’t want them to see me closing my eyes.” Her father, Geronimo Castillo, along with other relatives, including her siblings and grandmother, had been at the hospital earlier after being granted extra time with her before the procedure began at around 6:30 pm.
Outside the clinic, her best friend, Carla Rodriguez, was seen in tears after not being allowed a final opportunity to speak with her.
Noelia had been paralysed from the waist down for four years, following a suicide attempt after she was raped by three men while living in a state-run care facility. Since then, she had lived with constant pain, which she said had become unbearable.
She had also spoken about how she wanted to face her final moments, saying: “I’ve always thought I want to die looking good. I’ll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple.”
Euthanasia has been legal in Spain since 2021 for people with “chronic or invalidating” conditions. Noelia had spent years fighting for the right to access it, despite opposition from her father, who attempted to block the procedure through the courts with support from a conservative legal group. The challenge was ultimately rejected, with judges ruling that her decision was “free, conscious and informed.”
Her case drew widespread attention due to the legal battle within her family. Her mother, Yolanda Ramos, remained by her side until the end, even while hoping she might change her mind.
“I’ve been praying and thinking… hoping that at the last moment she’ll say ‘I regret it’,” she said. In a final message to her daughter, she added: “There’s nothing more I can do. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll be there for you, but if you change your mind, I’ll be there for the good times too.”
Published 15:24 29 Mar 2026 GMT
A heartbreaking video has surfaced showing Noelia Castillo Ramos, the paralyzed woman who died by euthanasia, trying to walk again with crutches in the days before her death.
In the clip, her father, Geronimo Castillo, is seen encouraging her as she carefully attempts a few steps. He can be heard cheering her on and calling her a “machine,” as she manages a brief smile despite clearly struggling.
The 25-year-old, from Barcelona, made global headlines after choosing to end her life at an assisted living facility in Sant Pere de Ribes on Thursday. Her death followed a lengthy legal fight lasting more than a year and a half.
She had been left paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a fifth-floor window four years ago, in the aftermath of a gang rape. She later revealed she had also been abused by an ex-partner and assaulted by three men shortly before the incident. “I didn't report it because it was days before I tried to kill myself,” she said.
Since then, she had been living with constant, severe pain and spoke openly about her desire to end her suffering. “None of my family is in favor of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I've suffered during all these years?” she said.
She also addressed her family’s opposition, saying: “The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot be more important than the life of a daughter.”
Although her loved ones were able to say their goodbyes, Noelia chose to be alone when the procedure took place. She reportedly passed away with four photos of “happy” memories beside her.
Her decision led to a legal challenge from her father, who argued she was not capable of making a “free and conscious decision.” Noelia strongly rejected this, saying: “He hasn't respected my decision and he never will.”
She also spoke candidly about their strained relationship: “I understand. He's a father and he doesn't want to lose a daughter, but he doesn't listen to me. He never calls me, he never writes to me. The only thing he does is bring me food. Why does he want me alive? To keep me in a hospital?”
Her request was eventually approved under Spain’s euthanasia laws despite backlash and protest from some, first introduced in 2021 for people with serious or chronic conditions.
Before her death, she shared a final message after contacting Antena 3: “I've finally done it. Let's see if I can finally rest because I can't take this family anymore, the pain, everything that torments me from what I've been through.”
She added: “I don't want to be an example for anyone, it's simply my life, and that's all.”
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
