Chris Gonzalez of Grupo Cielo died from complications of COVID-19 on Saturday (Jan. 22), his family confirms. He was 38.
His father, Alan Gonzalez, shared the somber news via social media. “This morning my son Chris was taken to meet our Lord as they needed another lead singer,” he said. “Go to paradise my son, we love you so much. You’ll always be that star in our eyes. Grupo Cielo forever.”
Gonzalez was hospitalized in intensive care earlier this month with COVID-19. He was also diagnosed with other health issues including pneumonia and heart ailments, according to an update from the band on January 20.
“He didn’t have the surgery after all,” read the statement. “Dr’s did a heart scan and found considerable damage to left side of heart. So cannula will have to stay in place till he heals.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the band to help with medical and funeral expenses.
“Chris was an incredible person/musician with a huge heart who touched the lives of all those around him and those who knew him,” according to the page. “On behalf of the Gonzalez family and Grupo Cielo, we ask for donations to help cover expenses. We want to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. Anything is greatly appreciated.
The singer and guitarist was the founder of Grupo Cielo, a high-energy Tejano band from San Antonio, Texas.
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