Colombian hitmaker found shot dead

The music scene in Colombia mourns the loss of Dr. Velásquez (real name: Daniel Alejandro Velásquez Franco), a successful hit producer, artist manager and businessman who passed away on June 8.

Police found Velásquez and his girlfriend Sofia Valdez shot dead in the artist’s home in Envigado (southeast of Medellín, Colombia). The devastating news was confirmed by Velásquez’s record label, JMW Music, in an official statement on social media.

“It is with deep pain that we inform you of the death of Dr. Velásquez, famous singer, composer, manager, businessman and paisa dreamer,” the message reads in Spanish. “Dr. Velásquez was a pioneer of the Medellín music scene and founder of the largest and first reggaeton centers in our city. His legacy and passion for music left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of those who knew him. In this moment of pain, we ask for prudence and respect for his family, friends and colleagues. We thank you for your understanding and support in these difficult times. We pray together for his eternal rest and stand in solidarity with all those who mourn his death.”

In a separate statement, the label clarified: “Although the facts are being investigated, the judicial authorities have ruled out suicide as a hypothesis. Thanks to the quick and efficient action of the authorities, the main suspect in the double murder is already in custody.”

Velásquez – who had a solo career as a singer from 2014 to 2018 – has boosted the music careers of many Colombian urban stars, including Reykon, Maluma and J Balvin. In 2019, he discovered breakthrough artist Blessd and signed him to JMW Music. The two attended Billboard Latin Music Week 2022 together, where Blessd was part of the “Making the Hit Live!” panel alongside Ovy on the Drums.

“A lot of growth and life experience, regardless of the fact that we broke our professional ties,” the Colombian artist said in his Instagram stories about his former manager. “That left an impression on me. Peace on your grave.”

Artists such as J Balvin, Maluma and the up-and-coming act El Clooy, who was most recently managed by Dr. Velásquez, also reacted to his death on social media.