History of Ricardo Ortega Fernández in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 24, 2026

Ricardo Ortega Fernández was a Spanish journalist working for Antena 3. He was killed while reporting in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during the protests following the 2004 Haitian coup d'état. His death highlights the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones while covering significant political events.

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April 4, 1966: Ricardo Ortega Fernández's Birth

Ricardo Ortega Fernández was born on April 4, 1966. He became a Spanish journalist for the television channel Antena 3.

1966: Birth of Ricardo Ortega Fernandez

In 1966, Ricardo Ortega Fernandez was born in Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, Province of Cuenca, Spain, to parents Charo Fernández and José Luis Ortega. Later, he moved to Alicante at the age of 7.

2000: Ricardo Ortega Joins Antena 3

In 2000, Ricardo Ortega moved to Antena 3 and reported from New York City, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Washington. Before that, he had worked for the Spanish newswire agency EFE in Moscow, Russia.

2001: Coverage of 9/11 Attacks

In 2001, Ricardo Ortega-Fernandez covered the 9/11 attacks in New York City as part of his work, as honored by employees of Antena 3 upon the arrival of his body in Madrid.

March 7, 2004: Death of Ricardo Ortega Fernández

On March 7, 2004, Ricardo Ortega Fernández, a Spanish journalist for Antena 3, was shot and killed while covering protests in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after the 2004 Haitian coup d'état.

2004: Controversy Surrounding Ortega's Death

In 2004, witnesses claimed that the shots that killed Ortega were fired by US Marines, not pro-Aristide supporters. His parents called for an investigation into his death.

April 2007: Spanish Authorities Call for Investigation

In April 2007, Spanish authorities requested that Haiti establish a commission to further investigate Ricardo Ortega's death. However, no such commission was ever formed.

June 24, 2008: Case Reopened by Spanish Judge

On June 24, 2008, Spanish Judge Pablo Ruz, representing the Central Criminal Court, reopened the case of Ricardo Ortega's death, exercising jurisdiction over violent cases involving Spanish citizens in foreign countries.