Tragedy struck Colombia’s music scene on January 10, 2026, as beloved singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez and five others lost their lives in a devastating plane crash near Bogotá. The accident occurred in the area between Paipa and Duitama, in the Boyacá department, sending shockwaves through the country and beyond. Jiménez, just 34 years old, was on his way to Medellín for a scheduled performance in Marinilla when his chartered plane, a small aircraft registered as N325FA, failed to gain altitude and crashed in a field near the end of the runway at Juan José Rondón Airport. The crash left no survivors, ending the life and career of one of Colombia’s most prominent voices in regional popular music.
According to Colombia’s Civil Aviation authority, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time. The Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Bogotá detected the activation of the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter shortly after takeoff, prompting an immediate response from National Police and local emergency services. When responders arrived at the crash site, they found the wreckage engulfed in flames, confirming the deaths of all six occupants: the pilot, co-pilot, and four passengers, including Jiménez and members of his musical team. The names released included Capitán Hernando Torres, Juan Manuel Rodríguez, Oscar Marín, Jefferson Osorio, and Weisman Mora, as reported by El Tiempo and other media outlets.
Initial findings indicate that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after leaving the runway and ultimately crashed at the edge of the airfield. Videos from the scene, widely shared on social media, showed the debris of the small plane ablaze, painting a grim picture of the tragedy. The cause of the crash has not yet been officially confirmed, and authorities continue to investigate what led to the fatal accident.
Jiménez’s death was quickly confirmed by his press office and reported by Billboard Español, as tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists alike. Social media platforms were awash with grief, with one fan writing, “Yeah, I am one of those who has had several little drinks with Yeison Jiménez’s songs, his death touches my heart, great artist. May he rest in peace.” Another user expressed disbelief: “I log into Twitter and the first thing that comes up is that Yeison Jiménez died, I am in shock.”
What makes the tragedy even more haunting is that Jiménez had previously spoken about recurring dreams of dying in a plane crash. In an interview last year, he revealed, “I have dreamed several times of dying in an air crash.” This eerie premonition has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have referenced it in their tributes, underscoring the sense of loss and disbelief that now surrounds his passing.
Born on July 26, 1991, in Manzanares, Caldas, Yeison Jiménez’s journey to stardom was marked by perseverance and raw talent. He began his artistic journey at the tender age of seven and, by fourteen, was already working at Bogotá’s wholesale market to support himself while nurturing his passion for music. During those formative years, Jiménez recorded his first five songs, laying the groundwork for a career that would soon take Colombia by storm.
Jiménez’s official debut came in 2013 with the release of his first album, “Con El Corazón – Volumen 1,” which featured original compositions such as “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” (“I Wish You the Best”). The following year, he gained wider recognition with the single “Porqué la Envidia” (“Why the Envy”), included in his second album “Vuelve Y Me Pasa” (2015). These early successes established Jiménez as a rising star in the Colombian popular music scene, where his heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes struck a chord with audiences nationwide.
Over the years, Jiménez penned more than 70 compositions, becoming widely regarded as the number one artist in Colombian popular music. His productions consistently topped national music charts and trended across digital streaming platforms, as highlighted by his YouTube biography. A defining moment in his career arrived in 2018 with the release of “Aventurero,” a song that amassed over 400 million streams and dominated the charts for more than 20 weeks. The track became an anthem of Colombian regional music, further cementing Jiménez’s legacy as a leading voice of his generation.
Jiménez’s talents extended beyond the recording studio. He also made a name for himself on television, serving as a judge on music competition shows and inspiring a new generation of artists. His ability to connect with audiences—whether through song or on screen—made him a household name and a beloved figure in Colombian culture.
The loss of Yeison Jiménez has left a void that will not be easily filled. His music, characterized by themes of love, heartbreak, and everyday struggles, resonated with millions and provided the soundtrack to countless lives across Colombia and Latin America. Songs like “Aventurero” and “Porqué la Envidia” continue to rack up millions of streams, a testament to his enduring appeal and the deep connection he forged with his listeners.
On the day of the crash, Jiménez had just performed in Boyacá and was traveling to Medellín Airport before heading to Marinilla for a scheduled evening performance. The crash not only cut short his own journey but also claimed the lives of his colleagues—members of his musical team who had been by his side through countless shows and recording sessions. The music community mourns their loss as well, recognizing the collective talent and hard work that perished alongside Jiménez.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, questions remain about what led to the tragic accident. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Yeison Jiménez and the others who lost their lives. Their legacy lives on in the music they created and the lives they touched, a bittersweet reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting power of art.
In the wake of this tragedy, Colombia’s music world stands united in grief, remembering Yeison Jiménez not only for his chart-topping hits and powerful performances but for the dreams he dared to chase—and the dreams, both hopeful and haunting, that defined his remarkable life.
