Former Menudo singer Anthony Galindo Ibarra, known as El Papi Joe, has died at the age of 41 following a suicide attempt on September 27. According to his family, Ibarra passed away on Saturday after doctors were unable to save his life.
“We thank you for all the prayers and support in these difficult times for our family and for so many people who had the opportunity to meet him personally and as an artist,” the family said. “As was his will, the family agreed to the request to donate his organs, so that in the moment he ceased to exist, he could help other people save their lives.”
RELATED: Sexual Assault Survivor Featured In Netflix Doc Commits Suicide
Prior to his death, Ibarra’s family had informed fans that the singer was in critical condition following a failed suicide attempt. Ibarra had reportedly suffered from depression and struggled with not being able to perform, which was “exacerbated by the pandemic and resulted in the trigger for this drastic and unfortunate decision,” his family wrote in an Instagram post.
R.I.P #AnthonyGalindo ??
A post shared by Papijoe (@iamelpapijoe) on
In 1995, Ibarra joined Menudo, the Puerto Rican boy band that famously featured Ricky Martin from 1983 to 1990. Ibarra was part of the last stage of the group along with Abel Talamántez, Alexis Grullón, and Didier Hernández. The band sold over 20 million records worldwide.
In 1997, Ibarra joined the ballad-pop group MDO which emerged after Menudo was disbanded. He was also part of the groups Kumbia Kings and Proyecto Uno. In 2011, he released the song “Pro Pro Pro” under the Rhythm Rehab Records label. Aside from singing, Ibarra was a successful model.
The late singer is survived by his wife Dayana Maya and daughter Elizabeth Michelle, as well as, his sister Natalie and two brothers Alejandro and Cesar.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Source: PEOPLE
READ NEXT: The 10 Most Successful Boy Band Stars Of All Time
Source: Read Full Article