Representatives of Sandra María Vélez Mesa, one of the heirs of the Paisa millionaire William Vélez – who died in May 2025, after a fall – They continue to quote people close to the businessman to clarify what happened before and after the fatal episode.
As the Investigative Unit of EL TIEMPO has been revealing exclusively, this investigation runs parallel to two other matters that have judicial overtones. The first, a file that was based on investigations by this newspaper about a millionaire transfer that Ecopetrol made to a company owned by William Vélez for the transfer of Termomrichal I and II. And the other, the battery of lawsuits and complaints that Lina María Vélez (the other heiress) and her sister have filed in the midst of the struggle for control of the business emporium, with satellites in seven countries.
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The witnesses
María Eugenia Rojas, partner of William Vélez. Photo:Private file
In the midst of inquiries by Sandra Vélez’s attorneys to find out what happened on May 16, when her father suffered a blow to the head (which caused his death three days later), they have been summoned for extra-procedural interrogations. Juan Felipe Posada Rojas -Lina Vélez’s husband- and María Eugenia Rojas. The latter has a double role: girlfriend of William Vélez and mother of the young Posada.
Juan Felipe Posada Rojas, husband of Lina Vélez. Photo:Private file
Furthermore, he has already testified Esther Collantes, a trusted employee of William Vélez, and is scheduled to hear from his personal doctor: Pedro Pablo Sierra.
In the midst of the investigations Astorga Oncological Clinic, the place where William Vélez suffered the blow, provided details of what happened and its position on the matter, in a communication addressed to the Investigative Unit of EL TIEMPO.
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He was at high risk of falling
The headquarters of the Astorga clinic. Photo:EL TIEMPO/ Private Archive
Claudia María Calle, spokesperson for the clinic, begins by pointing out that they consider it essential “address the facts with respect, transparency and responsibility, preserving the dignity of the patient, the confidentiality of their clinical information and respect for their families.”
According to the renowned medical center, located in Medellín, Vélez was a chemotherapy patient: “According to the available care records, since his admission, Mr. Vélez Sierra was identified by an institutional handle that classified him as a patient at High Risk of Falling, in compliance with the patient identification and safety protocols established by the institution and in adherence to what is required.”
He also reports that during Vélez’s stay at the clinic, He asked to go to the bathroom, at which time the nursing staff offered and demanded accompaniment.
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The transfer
The businessman William Vélez. Photo:Private archive and social networks
And he goes on to detail what happened: “However, (Vélez) expressed his refusal to be accompanied, both by the nursing staff and by his companions inside the facility. The nursing staff stayed at the bathroom door, waiting for Mr. Vélez Sierra to leave. When they felt the patient fall, they removed him from the place and proceeded to provide him with an assessment by the medical and nursing staff, monitoring of vital signs and adoption of the corresponding support measures.“.
The clinic also explains the moment in which it was decided to refer him to another specialized care center.
“Given the changes observed in his clinical condition, the need to refer him to another health institution to continue medical care was determined. During the care transfer process, the patient was accompanied by medical and nursing staff from the Astorga Oncology Clinic, who provided the required support and monitoring during and until his arrival at the receiving institution, according to the available records,” points out the clinic, in reference to the transfer to the Clínica Cardio VID Medical Center.
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The patient’s companions
William Vélez and Lina Vélez Gaviria. Photo:EL TIEMPO/ Private Archive
And it emphasizes that, according to the documented information and the facts known to them, “No negligent behavior on the part of the patient’s companions or situations of disturbance or interference that hindered the process of care transfer and care of the patient were identified. Consequently, we reject the speculations that attempt to attribute it to the Clinic and its professionals, without evaluating and considering the documentation of what happened.”
And he adds that the questions, versions or statements of third parties, They do not substitute the examination of the evidence, nor do they constitute in themselves a determination of responsibility.
Finally, the spokesperson points out that the clinic is responsible for the care and actions that corresponded to it: “Any assessment of the conduct of other participants must be based on their respective obligations and proven facts, without transferring responsibilities in a general or speculative manner.“.
And he concludes by saying that the medical reserve does not prevent the corresponding records from being made available to the competent authorities, through the applicable channels and requirements: “The Clinic maintains its willingness to contribute to the clarification of the facts and to meet the requirements of the authorities. It will not take sides in the family or property differences mentioned in the publications.”
The investigations continue.
INVESTIGATIVE UNIT
u.investigativa@eltiempo.com
@UinvestigativaET
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