March 4, 2025, is marked by unfathomable tragedy for French singer Lio, who has lost her youngest son, Diego, at the age of 21. According to Paris Match, Diego's body was discovered on Sunday, March 2, near Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport. His death has already been classified as suicide, as unthinkable as this is.
Diego, the youngest of six children born from Lio's relationships over the years, had been missing for several days before the discovery of his body. On the weekend prior, Lio reported his disappearance to the police when she noticed he had taken her credit card. It was later revealed he had driven to the airport where his life took its tragic turn.
Before heading to Roissy, Diego stopped at a petrol station near the airport. Witnesses reported seeing him fill up a jerrycan with gasoline. Days after his disappearance was reported, investigators believe he doused himself with the flammable liquid and set himself ablaze on Route du Noyer du Chat, just close to the airport he had aimed for.
Authorities have now opened a fresh investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. A specialized team from the police force known as the Brigade de Répression de la Délinquance contre la Personne (BRDP) has taken charge of the investigation. This tragedy has understandably left Lio, who had fondly characterized Diego as the baby of her extensive family, reeling.
Diego was born in 2003 to Lio, whose real name is Vanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos, and Jean-Pierre, her first love, whom she married more than two decades ago. He joins his five siblings: Nubia, Igor, Esmeralda, Garance, and Léa—children born from Lio's relationships with four different partners.
Before this tragedy, Lio had shared sentiments about the difficulties of motherhood, expressing her sense of responsibility for her children's wellbeing during various interviews. Only last year, she was open about taking time off work during the summer to reconnect with her children, indicating her commitment even amid their struggles.
Alongside these personal battles, Lio had also uncovered past trauma during interviews, including her own history of sexual assault and the struggles her children faced, including one of her children experiencing violence. Despite these challenges, she voiced optimism about reclaiming time with her family.
This recent heartbreaking episode has drawn attention not just to the struggles of family life but the broader issues of mental health and wellbeing among young adults. Diego’s tragic decision serves as grave reminder about the reality many face, and the signs often unrecognized by those closest to them.
His sister, Esmeralda, has publicly addressed her brother's death through Instagram, sharing her grief with followers: "My brother is gone. Please do not send messages. Thank you for the support." This stark and blunt announcement reflects the raw pain of their family’s loss.
While the public is drawn to the details of this unfortunate incident, it sheds light on the often-hidden battles faced within families like Lio's. Diego’s last days reflect not just personal struggle but, perhaps, the unexpressed burdens shared by many. The investigation will continue to unearth more about these final moments, helping perhaps to unravel the threads of pain leading to this sorrowful outcome.
For Lio, whose life as both an artist and mother has witnessed its fair share of ups and downs, this loss is sure to have lasting effects. The tragedy resonates deeply, highlighting the urgent need for continued dialogue on mental health, especially among youth today. Lio, as she navigates this arduous path through grief, embodies the resilience many strive for—raising awareness amid heartbreak.