Reggaeton Artist Alexio ‘La Bruja’ Dies at 34 From Breast Cancer

Puerto Rican artist Alexio “La Bruja,” who also went by Alexio “La Bestia,” has lost to his battle with breast cancer at the age of 34, and was pronounced dead on Tuesday (Nov. 14). Daddy Yankee, Farruko, Arcángel and more stars of the reggaetón scene expressed their grief in social media posts. The artist, known for hits such as “Tumba la Casa,” was diagnosed in 2017.

The news of Alexio’s deteriorating health surfaced on Sunday (Nov. 12) when fellow Puerto Rican stars reached out for support via social media, appealing for blood, platelet and plasma donors. The urgency of the request hinted at the severity of his condition. He was hospitalized in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Arcángel pleaded on Instagram at the time: “My brother from another mother is fighting like a warrior for his life!!!!! We URGENTLY need platelet donors! If you have nothing to do and you want to SAVE the life of an excellent human being who has given you moments of joy and joy as an artist then we NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER! I’m rooting for you my bro, I know you can. I’m in MEXICO, but right now I’m going to 🇵🇷 RESIST. I want to see you again.”

Producer Pepe Quintana confirmed the news of Alexio’s death on social media. On Tuesday (Nov. 15), Quintana wrote: “My brother we did not expect this. This caught us by surprise. Although we knew your condition, your attitude of a WARRIOR camouflaged that pain that you carried day by day … as I told you when I saw you, I LOVE YOU BROTHER. You fulfilled your dream of being an artist […] Rest in peace my brother.”

Born Víctor A. Riverain on Dec. 11, 1988, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Alexio rose to fame in 2015 with songs including “Tumba la Casa” and “Tarara.” Throughout his career, he collaborated with prominent artists of the música urbana scene such as Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Zion, Ozuna, Farruko, De La Ghetto, Ñengo Flow and others.

Daddy Yankee shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Brother, thank you for your friendship. The silent legacy you left in me will last a lifetime. Because every time we talked, without realizing it, it was you who healed me with your testimony and courage,” he captioned his post. “The way you fought, seeing you with a smile until the end there in the hospital, taught me a lot about how to face the trials we go through in this life. You never complained, I saw you with the best attitude, always in DRIVE no matter what! That’s what I take from you.”

Farruko posted on IG, “😔🥲fly high, goldo 🕊️ I don’t even know what to say I don’t have words only. God knows I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your friend and for allowing me to be part of your dreams. I will always remember you. You were a warrior until the end legend.”

DJ Luian wrote: “THANK YOU for being that friend who fights for you, wherever you are not, THANK YOU for ALWAYS unconditionally being with me, you were that friend who was with me in a hospital, in a cemetery saying goodbye to a family member, but also that friend with whom I traveled, drank, fucked around with and enjoyed a dream together. I LOVE YOU gordo!”

Puerto Rican YouTube channel Molusco TV also created an episode to honor Alexio’s legacy.

In a 2017 interview, the year he was diagnosed with the disease, Alexio said, “My biggest fear is to leave the world without finishing all the goals I have, to leave my family without my presence, without my protection.”

Despite his battle with cancer, Alexio “La Bruja” remained active in music. In July, he released his full-length debut album, El Origen.