Singer Darío Gómez Dead At 71; Colombian President Joins Fans To Mourn 'King Of Spite'

Colombian singer Darío de Jesús Gómez Zapata, best known by his stage name Darío Gómez, died aged 71 in Medellín.

The singer's death reportedly happened sometime around 6:30 pm ET Tuesday. Several social media videos showed Gómez's fans assembled outside a hospital, crying while singing his songs.

Reports said he was brought to the emergency unit at Clinica Las Americas situated in Medellin's Belén neighborhood due to health issues.

The doctors, who treated the superstar musician, have now said he had arrived at the facility in an unconscious state and showed no vital signs. Several attempts were made to revive him before he was declared dead.

"Clínica Las Américas, it is allowed to inform that today, July 26, 2022, Mr. Darío de Jesús Gómez Zapata entered the emergency service in a state of unconsciousness, after having suffered a sudden collapse in his home. The patient was admitted without vital signs and was taken to the resuscitation room, where advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers were performed without success," read the statement issued by the clinic.

Colombian President Iván Duque was among those who took to social media to mourn Gómez's death.

"We deeply regret the death of the performer and composer Darío Gómez, the 'King of Spite'; one of the greatest exponents of Colombian popular music. We accompany your family and friends with solidarity, and we send you our fraternal embrace," he wrote.

Colombia's Ministry of Culture tweeted, "We regret the death of Darío Gómez, the 'King of Spite'. Renowned Colombian singer and composer of popular music. We will forever remember his interpretations and the lyrics that have accompanied Colombians generation after generation."

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez wrote, "Sad night with Darío Gómez already reaching heaven. His songs and his personality are lodged in the hearts of millions. Thank you Master Dario."

"Very sad the death of Darío Gómez, The King of Spite, his songs will always be in the hearts of the people. He played the sad and jilted. See you always!!!" author Vicky Dávila tweeted.

Gómez was considered one of the ten best Colombian singers of the 90s era. A lot of his songs were heartbreak anthems, and he began to be referred to as "El Rey del Despecho" or "the king of spite." The cause of his death and funeral details are awaited.

Gomez is survived by his wife and three children. His eldest daughter was killed in 2004 on a bus after being hit by a stray bullet.