On March 2, 2025, tragedy struck the family of renowned singer Lio when her youngest son, Diego, was found dead near Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport. The 21-year-old reportedly died by suicide under heartbreaking circumstances, prompting widespread sorrow and concern.
Diego, who had been reported missing since February 28, 2025, was last seen before he departed home without his phone. His sisters, particularly Esmeralda, had launched a frantic search for him on social media, sharing details and expressing their growing fears over his mental well-being. Esmeralda's posts became increasingly urgent as time passed without news of her brother.
Following the tragic discovery of Diego's body, Esmeralda shared her grief on Instagram with the poignant message: "My brother is dead. Do not send me messages please. Thank you for your shares." This brief but heart-wrenching declaration highlighted the family's overwhelming sorrow and their desire for privacy during this painful time.
Another sister, Garance, also took to social media to announce the end of the search. She expressed gratitude to those who had participated, stating: "The research is finished. Thank you again for your help to all." These communications reflect the family’s need to handle their grief privately, even amid the public attention.
According to reports from Paris Match, Diego’s death was believed to be the result of self-immolation. He allegedly took his mother’s credit card to purchase gasoline before setting himself on fire at a gas station near the airport. The shocking circumstances of his death have led to questions about the distress he faced prior to this tragic act.
Diego was not just the youngest of Lio's six children, but also the product of her complex family life. Born in May 2003, he was the beloved son of Lio, whose real name is Wanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos. Diego was part of a large family; his siblings include Nubia, Igor, Esmeralda, and the twins Garance and Léa, representing relationships with four different partners throughout Lio's life.
His father, Jean-Pierre, described by Paris Match as Lio's childhood friend and first love, married the pop icon in 2005 but remained closely connected with the family even after their separation. The dynamic Lio has cultivated with her children has often been challenged by her own struggles, which she has openly discussed throughout her career.
Over the years, Lio has expressed the weight of her responsibilities as a mother, especially as her children faced challenges. Reflecting on their past difficulties, she once shared, "I was always confronted with their enormous suffering, not always knowing how to respond. I feel responsible for many things, and they have questions for me."
Within the pop culture scene, Diego’s death has incited conversations about mental health. Esmeralda's earlier posts highlighted Diego's distress, stating, "He is very bad psychologically," before he was reported missing. Such revelations underline the importance of mental health awareness, especially among young adults.
The tragedy shocked friends and fans alike, with many expressing their condolences. Notably, singer Jeanne Mas took to X to support Lio, stating, "All my thoughts go out to Lio, who is facing the cruelest ordeal a mother can experience. Be strong, dear Wanda." These heartfelt sentiments resonate with the public as they grasp the enormity of such loss.
Despite the overwhelming sorrow enveloping the family, Lio has yet to publicly comment on her son’s death. Amidst this tragedy, the call for compassion and support for mental health issues has been amplified, especially considering the early warning signs many often overlook.
Lio has previously opened up about her own traumas and challenges, which have also taken their toll on her children. Her experiences of adversity, including being raped at age ten, have colored her perspectives on mental wellness and resilience. She reflected, "I am like a phoenix, but I have not finished. It takes a lifetime," encapsulating the long and arduous road many face when dealing with the scars of the past.
Diego's untimely passing serves as a painful reminder of the impact mental health struggles can have on individuals and their families. His story, now shared widely, emphasizes the necessity for open dialogue surrounding mental health issues and the urgent need for accessible support systems.
This devastating situation has left Lio and her family grappling with unimaginable grief and loss. While they navigate this harrowing moment, it is the hope of many—from fans to mental health advocates—that Diego's story will bring awareness, compassion, and changes to how society views mental health, especially among young people battling internal demons alone.