WILTON MANORS — Local bartender René Fernández (Cintora) died on December 30, 2012. Described by friends on Facebook as a “great man,” a “good friend,” a “phenomenal individual,” and always in “excellent humor,” Fernandez reportedly died from a lung complications related to an untreated HIV status.

“We lost the most genuine, quick witted and funny person I have ever met in my life,” friend and former co-worker Rob Pucci posted. “I am truly a better person for have known René Fernández.”

At an online condolences guestbook, business owners Dawn and Lori Tanner praised Fernández, saying that, “It was truly and honor to have worked with you, Rene!! The Pink Submarine will always have your fun loving spirit here!! You are so missed already, we love you!!”

According to the legacy.com guestbook, Fernández is survived by his parents, Patricia and René, his sister, Paola, and brother, Roberto. A ceremony was held on Thursday, January 3 at Guiding Light.

A friend of Fernandez who is familiar with his situation, and who asked not to be named, said that his undocumented status led him to refrain from seeking treatment, for fear of official consequences.

Stephen Fallon, Executive Director of Latinos Salud, a Wilton Manors-based non-profit that provides outreach and HIV prevention services to the Hispanic LGBT community, said that any death related to unsought treatment is tragic on many levels.

“It’s just a tragedy when people assume that if they seek treatment it will automatically be linked to systems that will get them deported,” he told the Agenda.