Heartbreaking video surfaces of euthanized 25-year-old woman trying to walk again after paralysis

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.

Life-changing events that led to euthanasia

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.

A final decision after lengthy legal matters

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.”

Featured Image. Credit: Antena 3