Ex Menudo Adrián Olivares, the first Mexican in the boy band and brother of Karla Souza, dead at 48

The Latin music and entertainment world mourns the loss of Adrián Olivares, a former member of the iconic Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, and the first foreign artist and the only Mexican to be part of the group.

Olivares, who passed away at the age of 48, was not only known for his musical contributions but also for being the brother of renowned actress Karla Souza. Despite sharing the same bloodline, many were unaware of their sibling connection, as Karla Souza's stage name does not include her surname, Olivares.

The ex Menudo was the founder of Radio Wynwood and Wynwood podcasts, a succesfull multimedia studio in Miami.

What happened to Adrián Olivares?

The tragic news of Adrián's death was initially confirmed by his former bandmate, Robert Avellanet, who took to social media to express his grief. Avellanet, who performed alongside Olivares, shared his shock and condolences with a heartfelt message:

"I am still in shock! Strengh for his family. Happy transition for his soul. I will always remember his great sense of humor. We will see each other there. Rip Adrián," wrote Avellanet.

Adrián Olivares made history by joining Menudo in 1990 as the first non-Puerto Rican member of the group. During his time with Menudo, he contributed to albums such as "Detrás de tu mirada" and "15 años," which featured hits like "Bésame en la playa" and "Búscame." He was also involved in the 1993 album "Imagínate..." which included memorable tracks such as "Yo quiero bailar cerca de ti" and "Mil ángeles," the latter dedicated to a Peruvian fan who tragically passed away at a Menudo concert.

He left the band voluntarily and was replaced by Ricky López.

Although his cause of death hasn't been released officially, some of his friends in social media have revealed that he allegedly didn't survive a surgery.

Menudo says goodbye

Another of his former band mates who expressed himself on social networks was Sergio Blass, who posted: "Vuela Alto hermanito y mucha Fortaleza para tu Familia 🙏🏻.... You were always mature for your age and your unmatched charisma. You will always be one of the good ones and you will always live in our hearts".

The only Venezuelan ex Menudo Jonathan Montenegro took to Instagram to mourn Olivares as well. "I love you wherever you are. I will keep you in my most beautiful memories brother," he wrote.

His daughter breaks her silence

While most of Olivares family, including Karla Souza, has kept their feelings private, his daughter Eliana posted a carrousel with photos and a moving message.

"I'm at a loss for words. Daddy I love you forever. You have shown me love, guidance, strength and many more things that I wouldn't know without you. I still can't process the fact that you are gone and that I can't give you a hug or tell you how much I love you. You are the best dad a girl can ask for. I know you are in gods hands and I'm so grateful to have you as my guardian angel. Love you forever daddy," she wrote.

The third Menudo to pass away

Adrián Olivares is the third member of Menudo who has passed away. The first one was Anthony Galindo, better known as Papi Joe, who died by suicide in 2020. According to his family, the isolation of the covid pandemic deepened his depression.

On April 30th 2021, Ray Reyes died of natural causes. According to the local Puerto Rican press, he died from massive stroke.

Since the news of the passing of Olivares broke, fans have taken to social media to remember him with loving message and his music.