Omar Torrijos' 45th Death Anniversary Marked in Panama

On July 31, 1981, Panamanian leader General Omar Efraín Torrijos Herrera died when a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft crashed on the slopes of Cerro Marta in Coclé Province. The crash killed the pilot, co‑pilot, a dentist, a sergeant, a mechanic and an auxiliary crew member.

Thirty‑five years later, friends and family gathered in Panama City for a pilgrimage to commemorate the 45th anniversary of his death. While the official investigation blamed adverse weather, witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing the plane on fire before impact. Over the years, theories have emerged suggesting CIA involvement, citing missing investigation documents and statements from Torrijos' brother and other commentators. The mystery continues to fuel public debate in Panama.