Adrián Olivares, a former member of the boy band Menudo, has sadly passed away at the age of 48. His bandmates and family confirmed his passing on Monday night.
According to a GoFundMe page established by his loved ones, Adrián died unexpectedly on Monday, shortly after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last week. His condition was compounded by ulcerative colitis.
The family wrote, “If you would please consider donating anything you can, it would be greatly appreciated as the family does not have the means to give Adrian his final farewell and help these girls with all their necessary expenses.”
“All the money will go to his mom, Natasha… We love you, Adrián!” they added.
Adrián joined Menudo as its 23rd member in 1990, around 20 years after the group’s formation. Though he left the band in 1993, just three years later at the age of 16, his tenure was significant with the release of albums such as 15 Años, Detras Tu Mirada, and Dancin’, Movin’, Shakin’ during his time.
More recently, Adrián founded Wynwood Podcasting, a multimedia studio based in Miami, Florida. Prior to this venture, he ran Antenna Sound Inc. and even appeared in the Max miniseries Forever Young.
Adrián leaves behind three daughters: Eliana, 18, and twins Lia and Lilly, 8.
Some of his former Menudo bandmates have shared heartfelt messages on social media. Robert Avellanet expressed his shock and sorrow on Instagram with a picture of Adrián from younger days. “I am shocked still!” he wrote. “He needs to give his family strength. I hope the transition is easy for your soul. I’ll always remember how funny he was. We will meet up there, brother. RIP, Adrián.”
Similarly, former bandmate Sergio Blass posted, “Fly high, little brother, and find strength for your family… You always seemed older than your years, and your charm was unmatched. You will always be one of the good ones and you will always live in our hearts.”
Adrián’s daughter Eliana also posted an emotional tribute on Instagram. “I lack the words to express my feelings. I’ll always love you, dad. You have taught me love, strength, guidance, and many other things I wouldn’t know without you,” she wrote. “I still can’t believe you’re not here. I miss you so much and wish I could hug you or tell you we love you. I love you more than any other dad I could ask for. Knowing that God has you in his care makes me so thankful that you are my guardian angel. I will always love you, dad.”
Adrián’s ex-girlfriend Sylvia Campos also paid tribute to him in a touching Facebook post. “I will always love you, Adriancito. You were a great man, singer, son, brother, friend, but most of all a GREAT DAD. May the road ahead of you be bright. I will always love you,” she wrote.
Before Adrián’s passing, other Menudo members had also tragically passed away. Ray Reyes died of a heart attack in 2021 at the age of 51. His brother shared the news on Facebook, asking for the family’s privacy: “It is with great pain in my soul that I confirm the death of my beloved brother, Ray Reyes. Please give us space while we figure out what to do. Also, please pray for our family, especially my very fragile mother. Also, please don’t forget what he left behind.”
Another former bandmate, Anthony Galindo, died in 2021 at the age of 41. He had previously battled depression, likely exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry. His family also made a public statement regarding his death.
