Former Menudo band member dies at 48

Adrian Olivares, a former member of the famous Latin boy band Menudo, died on Monday (July 8) at the age of 48.

The news was confirmed by bandmate Robert Avellanet, who shared a carousel of photos on Instagram from when they were both part of the group. “I’m still in shock! Strength to your family,” he captioned the post. “Happy passage to your soul. I will always remember his great sense of humor. We’ll meet there brother. RIP Adrian.”

Menudo’s official Instagram account also shared various throwback photos and videos in memory of Olivares. “We remember Adrian, the 23rd member of Menudo who brought joy to many from 1990 to 1993,” the group captioned their post. “His legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”

Olivares, who hosted a podcast on Wynwood Radio, died unexpectedly at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8, after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease just a week ago, according to the GoFundMe page created by his loved ones and shared by Menudo. The disease was further complicated by ulcerative colitis.

“Adrian was an incredible father to his three daughters Eliana (18) and twins Lia and Lilly (8),” wrote the organizer. “If you would please donate 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 the necessary expenses. All donations will be given to his mother Natasha… Fly high Adrian, we love you!”

Olivares, originally from Mexico, was part of Menudo from 1990 to 1993, when he was between 13 and 16 years old, and joined in 1989 after Ricky Martin left. After Rey Reyes and Anthony Galindo, he is the third Menudo member to die.

Read Menudo’s contribution to Olivares’ memory below: