Puerto Rican salsa legend José “Cheo” Feliciano died Thursday morning at the age of 78 from a tragic car accident in Puerto Rico. He is survived by his wife, Coco Feliciano, and his four sons, reports the Associated Press.
El Nuevo Día reports that the salsa star appeared to have lost control of his green Jaguar and in turn, hit an electric post, according to officials. The accident reportedly took place at 4:15 a.m. and police officer Jorge Hernandez Pena has revealed that the singer was not wearing a seat belt. Currently, it is believed Feliciano died of a head injury caused by the accident. Authorities have also revealed that no drugs and alcohol were found in the car.
“Father will live forever because he has given his music, his heart to his people,” said Feliciano'ss.ba son, José Enrique, to El Nuevo Día."Thank God we have his music to remember him by.”
Feliciano was born in a humble community in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1936 and formed his first band when he was 8, with cans. When he was 17, he joined his father and migrated to New York City looking for wark. He joined the music scene, being aware that he wanted to pursue music, and received his first break in 1955 when he sang with the Tito Rodríguez orchestra at The Palladium in New York City. By the 1970s, Feliciano had made a name for himself with his hits, which included: “Anacaona,” “Mi triste problema,” “Pa’ que afinquen” and “Si por mi llueve.”
With his success came some struggles, as the legendary salsa and bolero singer struggled with substance abuse. “I was very young and I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Feliciano said regarding his history of cocaine abuse, during a televised interview. Feliciano later became a spokesman for anti-drug campaigns.
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