Gina Heslop
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Adrián Olivares, a former member of the boy band Menudo. Adrián died suddenly at the age of 48. His family and former bandmates confirmed his death on Monday night. According to a GoFundMe page set up by his family and friends, Adrián had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease just last week. Having ulcerative colitis made his condition worse.
The GoFundMe page asks for donations to help cover Adrián’s funeral expenses and support his family, as they do not have the means to give him a proper farewell. “All the money will go to his mom, Natasha… We love you, Adrián!” the page says.
Adrián joined Menudo in 1990 as its 23rd member, about 20 years after the group’s formation. He left the band in 1993, at the age of 16, but his time with the group was memorable. During his tenure, Menudo released albums like “15 Años,” “Detras Tu Mirada,” and “Dancin’, Movin’, Shakin’.”
In recent years, Adrián started Wynwood Podcasting, a multimedia studio in Miami, Florida. Before that, he owned and ran Antenna Sound Inc. He also appeared in the Max miniseries “Forever Young.”
Adrián leaves behind three daughters: Eliana, 18, and twins Lia and Lilly, 8. Many of his former bandmates have expressed their sorrow on social media. Robert Avellanet, one of Adrián’s Menudo bandmates, wrote on Instagram, “I am shocked still!” He added, “I’ll always remember how funny he was. We will meet up there, brother. RIP, Adrián.”
Sergio Blass, another former bandmate, also shared his feelings, writing, “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 posted a heartfelt tribute to her father 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 continued, “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.”
Adrián’s ex-girlfriend, Sylvia Campos, also wrote 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 death, two other former Menudo members also passed away. Ray Reyes died of a heart attack in 2021 at the age of 51, and Anthony Galindo died in the same year, likely due to depression and its effects on his life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both were remembered fondly by their families and fans.
