Sebastian Athie dead: Disney star from hit 'O11CE' series passes away aged 24
Disney star Sebastián Athié, known for playing Lorenzo Guevera in the hit 'O11CE' series, has passed away. He was just 24-years-old.
Athié's death was confirmed by the National Association of Actors of Mexico, who sent their condolences to the young actor's friends and family. "With deep regret... on behalf of the association (we) report the significant death of Sebastián Athié," they said. "He was 24 years old. We send a hug of solidarity to his family and friends with our deepest condolences."
Athié's portrayal of Guevera had earned him a legion of fans in Latin America, with the show's two-year run on Disney catapulting him to fame and making his name an instantly recognizable one.
He had also starred in other shows of Mexican channel Televisa, including 'La Rosa de Guadalupe' (The Rose of Guadalupe, and had launched a music career in October 2018 with a song titled, 'Hasta que Vuelvas' (Until You Return) with fellow actor Javier Eloy Bonanno.
Disney Channel LA paid tribute to the 24-year-old in a poignant tweet. "Rest in peace, Sebas. Your art and your smile stay forever," they wrote. "We regret the departure of Sebastián Athié and we will always remember him for his talent, companionship, professionalism and above all, enormous heart. We accompany his family, friends and fans in his farewell."
Argentine actor Santiago Stieben, who starred alongside Athié in 'O11CE,' also honored his former co-star in an emotional video that he posted on his Instagram page. "I am very sad indeed," he wrote. "I hesitated a lot to make this video, but I feel like I want to share with all the love I have for you. My hug to your family; my best memories with you always."
Asked by his followers if he knew what had happened to the 24-year-old, Stieben replied, "I have no information. I only had the news and great sadness."
The Sun reported that Athié had taken part in a Zoom call with fans just last Friday, July 3, and that it is not known if he had been suffering from an illness in the weeks leading up to his death.
He had been active on social media, with his most recent post, featuring a picture taken in Chapultepec, Mexico City, accompanied by a quote from Nelson Mandela. "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Many of his fans took to social media to express their shock and sadness at his sudden death. "Rest in peace, Sebastian Athie," one wrote. "So heartbreaking. God takes the favorite ones too soon. Sending my prayer to his family and friends."
"Sebastián Athié has made us laugh, smile and cry. We will always remember him in our hearts," a second tweeted.
"Remembering with love and good vibes to #SebastiánAthié," another posted. "His talent, determination and great attitude will live forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, champion See you forever Sebastian! Your memory will not be forgotten."
It is still unclear how Athié passed away, with his death reportedly the subject of an investigation from the police.