On March 2, 2025, tragedy struck as Diego, the 21-year-old son of renowned singer Lio, was found dead near Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, reportedly having died by self-immolation. This heartbreaking news was revealed by Paris Match on March 4, 2025, illuminating the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
According to reports, Diego was the last child among six siblings and had recently borrowed his mother’s credit card prior to his death. He traveled to the airport by car and, upon arrival, filled up a jerrycan with gasoline at a local Total gas station. Sources indicate he then poured the fuel on himself and set it ablaze, leading to his demise.
Lio had reported her son missing to the authorities, expressing deep concern over his wellbeing. This prompted the BRDP (brigade de répression de la délinquance contre la personne) to take charge of the investigation. They are currently working to ascertain the detailed circumstances surrounding Diego’s tragic decision.
The details of Diego's disappearance painted a portrait of increasing distress. His sister, Esmeralda, had been actively seeking help through social media to locate him hours before his death. She had expressed concerns for his mental health, noting, "Mon frère est mort. Ne m'envoyez pas de messages svp. Merci pour vos partages" on Instagram, announcing the heartbreaking news to her followers.
Before his death, Esmeralda had posted numerous pleas for information about Diego, fearing for his safety. She described him as being "en forte détresse psychologique" (in significant psychological distress) and mentioned he had gone missing around 1 PM. Her frantic updates suggested he had been seen at the gas station shortly before his tragic act.
Garance, another sister of Diego, also shared on her Instagram, "Les recherches sont terminées. Merci encore pour votre aide à tous" (the searches are finished. Thank you all for your help) as the reality of their brother’s death set in. These posts captured the desperate search for Diego, which tragically turned to mourning.
The circumstances surrounding Diego’s decision to take his own life have sent shockwaves through his family. Lio, known for her vibrant public persona, is now facing one of the most harrowing experiences imaginable—the loss of her youngest child.
At just 21 years old, Diego was not only the youngest of Lio's children but also someone who had engaged with the public through family appearances. His passing raises difficult questions about mental health and support for young individuals facing personal struggles.
This incident also highlights the broader issue of mental health, particularly among the youth who may face pressures both from societal expectations and personal circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health resources and the need for open dialogues surrounding emotional wellbeing.
The BRDP's investigation is currently underway, and as they gather details, they will also likely look at Diego's mental health history and the support systems he had—or lacked—in place.
Interestingly, Lio's family dynamic adds another layer of complexity to this tragedy. She has six children from four different fathers, including Diego, who was born to her first love, Jean-Pierre, whom she married back in 2005. Lio’s diverse family history reflects her life's narrative, which now feels marked by this distressing event.
Diego's story is tragic yet painfully familiar, echoing the struggles faced by many young people today. It brings attention to the urgent need for mental health education and the availability of support systems for those battling emotional pain silently. With Diego's death, his family hopes his story may help others recognize the signs of distress and the importance of seeking help before it's too late.
With this loss, Lio faces the sorrow of losing her youngest child, stirring emotions among her fans and prompting discussions about mental health and family support. Already, messages of condolence have begun pouring in on social media from fans and friends alike, mourning the loss of someone whose life had barely begun.
Diego's memorial will likely serve as both a personal goodbye for his family and a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, leaving behind memories of his warmth and youth. Lio and her family encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for support as they navigate through their grief over the loss of their beloved son and brother.