A newly surfaced video is shedding light on the final days of Noelia Castillo Ramos, the 25-year-old woman in Spain whose euthanasia case drew international attention.
Noelia, from Barcelona, died on Thursday at an assisted living facility in Sant Pere de Ribes, following a legal battle that lasted more than a year and a half. Her decision came after years of trauma and chronic pain.
In 2022, she was living in a state-run facility for vulnerable young people, and became the victim of a violent assault. The incident involved multiple perpetrators, and left her with severe psychological trauma. After the assault, she attempted to end her life. Noelia survived, but suffered injuries leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
“I didn’t report it because it was days before I tried to kill myself,” she said in an interview, according to VT.
Since then, she had been living with ongoing pain, and in 2024 she was approved to medically end her life.
Noelia Castillo Ramos
In a clip, filmed shortly before her death, Noelia is seen attempting to walk using crutches. Standing beside her, her father, Geronimo Castillo, encourages her through each step, calling her a “machine” as she pushes forward. Despite the visible struggle, she manages a small smile.
“None of my family is in favor of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I’ve suffered during all these years?” she said before the procedure.
Her decision was not supported by her family, and her father tried to stop it, something she addressed directly:
“The happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot be more important than the life of a daughter,” she said.
“He hasn’t respected my decision and he never will,” she said.
“I don’t want to be an example for anyone”
Despite the opposition, her request was ultimately approved under Spain’s euthanasia law
While her loved ones were able to say goodbye, Noelia chose to be alone during the procedure. She reportedly kept four photos beside her, memories she described as “happy.”
Before her death, she shared a final message after contacting Antena 3, according to VT:
“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.”
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
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