Colombian popular music is mourning one of its most painful chapters following the tragic death of Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano, the singer who, from his humble roots in Manzanares, Caldas, rose to become one of the most influential voices in his genre both nationally and internationally.
The night of January 10, 2026, Jiménez lost his life at 34 years old in a plane crash between the municipalities of Paipa and Duitama, in Boyacá, when the private aircraft he was traveling in, en route to a concert in Medellín, crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident also claimed the lives of the five other occupants, including members of his team, leaving the artistic community and millions of fans in shock.
A career forged with passion and authenticity
Yeison Jiménez was born on July 26, 1991, and from a young age, he felt the call of music. At just 17, he decided to fully dedicate himself to his talent, building a career in popular music—a genre that blends traditional rhythms with modern nuances—which led him to record more than eight albums and compose over 70 songs during his 25-year career.
His career took off with his album Con El Corazón, and songs like Aventurero, Vete, and Ni Tengo Ni Necesito became popular anthems that resonated on radios, stages, and in hearts. Additionally, Jiménez became the first artist in the genre to sell out Movistar Arena in Bogotá three times and to fill the iconic Estadio El Campín, milestones that marked the history of Colombian regional music.
His work also crossed borders. With performances in countries like the United States, Germany, France, and Italy, Jiménez brought popular music beyond its origins, introducing it to new audiences and building a global legacy.
Beyond the stage: a human being with dreams
To those who knew him closely, Yeison Jiménez was much more than a figure on a stage. Colleagues, producers, and friends highlight his humility, his connection with the public, and his tireless spirit. His team, in a statement released after his death, said: “Today we not only say goodbye to an artist; we say goodbye to a son, a brother, a friend—a human being full of dreams and courage, who turned his story into hope for thousands of people.”
Jiménez was accompanied by his wife, Sonia Restrepo, and their three children, who are now mourning the unexpected loss of their provider and life partner.
An impact that transcends borders
The news of his death sparked a wave of shock in the music industry. Prominent artists like Carlos Vives, Jessi Uribe, and Silvestre Dangond, among many others, expressed their grief and admiration for Jiménez’s work, highlighting his contribution to regional music and his ability to inspire new generations.
Music organizations have already announced massive tributes in his honor, recognizing not only his career but also his role as a mentor and driving force for new voices in the genre.
Additionally, local governments, such as that of his hometown, Manzanares, have declared days of mourning and official honors, underscoring the cultural importance of his legacy for Colombia and the world.
The legacy of a voice that will continue to resonate
Yeison Jiménez passed away at the height of his career, with artistic projects and a tour planned for this year, leaving an immense void in popular music. But his legacy—built with rhythm, emotion, and struggle—lives on in every note he composed and in every heart that carried him within.
In a world where voices transcend time, Jiménez will continue to be remembered not only as an exceptional artist but as a symbol of hope, humility, and passion for music. And though his physical voice has been silenced, his songs will immortalize him, continuing to play on stages, radios, and in memories for generations to come.
