Ex-member of Pop-Band Garibaldi, Xavier Ortiz Reportedly Dies at 48 — Inside His Cause of Death

Xavier Ortiz, a former member of Mexican pop band Garibaldi, has tragically passed away at 48. The singer and reportedly died in his home after taking his life.

Former Garibaldi band member, Xavier Ortiz, has passed away at 48. The devastating news was first shared by his bandmate, Sergio Mayer, via a statement on Twitter that read:

"With deep sadness and great pain, I report the passing of my dear brother and great colleague of the Garibaldi Group and actor, Xavier Ortiz."

However, it was later revealed that Ortiz took his life on September 7 while at his home in Guadalajara, Jalisco. His sister Olga Ortiz Ramirez confirmed it saying that her beloved brother was "very depressed" due to some challenges he was passing through.

Ortiz gained fame as part of the original members of the eight-person band, Garibaldi.

Months before his demise, Ortiz opened up about his financial troubles during an interview with "Ventaneando." The late singer disclosed that he had resorted to selling hand sanitizers and face masks at the beginning of the pandemic. Speaking about his plight, he said:

"Thank God I have some savings, but you see your account go down every month, and you feel the nerves start to flow. I am going through a hard time. The truth is that I am."

Ortiz was also reportedly dealing with the end of his marriage to his fellow bandmate, Paty Manterola. After Manterola and Ortiz dated for a decade, they tied the knot in 1999. However, they were together for only five years before their divorce.

A grieved Manterola paid tribute to her ex-husband on Instagram with an emotional message about all the things she won't forget about him. The telenovela star wrote:

"This is how I'm going to remember you, dear Xavi, with that contagious, beautiful smile that stuck on to everyone who had the pleasure of crossing your path."

Ortiz gained fame as part of the original members of the eight-person band, Garibaldi. The group became popular in the early '90s with hit songs like "Que te la pongo," and "La ventanita."

After his time with the group, Ortiz transitioned into acting and starred in some telenovelas and movies, after which he became a dentist. He is survived by his sister and his son, Xavi, from his previous marriage to Carisa de Leon.

Ortiz has joined the long list of celebrities we have tragically lost in 2020, including actor Chadwick Boseman, singer Bruce Williamson, guitarist Jack Sherman, actress Naya Rivera, and Kelly Preston.

There was also the devastating demise of Nick Cordero, Carl Reiner, Fred Williard, Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and Kenny Rogers. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.