Xavier Ortiz, actor and former member of hit musical group Garibaldi, found dead at 48 in apparent suicide
Actor, singer and TV host Xavier Ortiz, who was also a member of the hit musical group Garibaldi, was found dead on September 7, 2020, at his house in Guadalajara, Mexico. The reason behind the 48-year-old's apparent suicide is still not clear. Ortiz's friend and former partner Sergio Meyer confirmed the news on Twitter.
"With deep sadness and great pain, I report the death of my dear brother and great colleague of the Garibaldi Group and actor, Xavier Ortiz. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the arts community. #QEPD," Mayer tweeted.
His older sister, Olga Ortiz Ramírez, also shared the news on Twitter and explained that Ortiz was going through difficult times. "Look. I am his sister and to my regret, I tell you that he committed suicide. We are in shock. We knew that he was very depressed from isolation, lack of income and a very stormy separation. He had just sold his house and had money. We are so surprised. I'm heading to Guadalajara," his sister wrote.
According to some reports, Ortiz was economically affected amid the Covid-19 pandemic and had to sell face masks and antibacterial gel to cover his expenses.
Ortiz was first married to fellow 'Garibaldi' member, singer and actor Patricia Manterola. After dating for 10 years, the couple tied the knot in April 1999. While Ortiz and Manterola divorced in 2005, they remained close. Ortiz was then married to Carisa de Leon, according to a report by El Financiero, however, the couple started divorce proceedings in 2018. According to Latin US, Ortiz and Leon shared an eight-year-old son, who was a constant presence on the actor's Instagram page.
Manterola wrote a beautiful tribute to her former husband on Instagram. Sharing throwback photos, she wrote, "This is how I will always remember you dear Xavi, with that beautiful smile that infected everyone who had the pleasure of crossing your way."
Ortiz who was born on June 29, 1962. He branched out into acting and appeared on numerous TV shows and films throughout his career, as well as many high profile theater productions. He appeared in a few movies including, 'Peligrosa tentacion' (2008), 'Journey from the Fall' (2005), 'Las pasiones de sor juana' (2004) and 'Dónde quedó la bolita' (1993).
Apart from movies, he has also appeared in several soap operas including 'La rosa de Guadalupe 'papito querido'' (2010), 'Un Gancho al Corazon' (2009), 'Tormenta en el Paraiso' (2007) , 'Duelo de pasiones' (2006), 'Te amaré en Silencio' (2003), 'Por tu amor' (1999), 'Camila' (1998) and 'Sentimientos Ajenos' (1996).