Colombia is mourning the sudden death of Yeison Jiménez, one of the country’s most popular música popular artists, after a private aircraft crashed near Paipa in the Boyacá region on January 10. The 34-year-old singer was traveling to perform at a concert later that evening when the plane went down, killing everyone on board.

The crash has shocked fans across Latin America, especially after a video recorded moments before takeoff began circulating online, offering a haunting final glimpse of the artist’s last journey.

What happened in the Yeison Jiménez plane crash?

Colombia’s Office of Air Traffic Accidents confirmed that the aircraft involved, registered as N325FA, crashed shortly after takeoff at around 4 pm local time.

The accident claimed the lives of six people, including Yeison Jiménez and his manager, Jefferson Osorio. Jiménez’s press office confirmed the deaths to Billboard Español.

The remaining victims were identified as Juan Manuel, Oscar Marín, Weisman Mora, and Captain Fernando Torres. Authorities said the plane belonged to Jiménez’s company, YJ Company SAS.

The Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation has launched a formal probe to determine the cause of the crash.

Where was Yeison Jiménez heading?

Jiménez was en route to Medellín, near the town of Marinilla, where he was scheduled to perform that evening. The concert was part of a packed touring schedule that reflected his growing stature as one of Colombia’s most commercially successful artists.

The tragedy unfolded before the singer ever reached his destination.

The chilling video recorded before the crash

One of the most disturbing aspects of the incident is a video posted just minutes before the crash. Weisman Mora, Jiménez’s photographer, shared an Instagram Story showing the view from the front passenger seat as the plane taxied along the runway.

Footage obtained later shows the wreckage engulfed in flames, with emergency responders rushing to the scene and attempting to extinguish the fire. The contrast between the calm moments before takeoff and the devastation afterward has deeply unsettled fans.

Who was Yeison Jiménez?

Yeison Jiménez rose from humble beginnings to become a defining voice in Colombia’s música popular genre. His music blended traditional Mexican ranchera influences with Colombian storytelling, often focusing on struggle, ambition, heartbreak, and resilience.

Record-breaking performances marked his rise. In 2024, Jiménez sold out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena three times. The following year, he achieved a historic milestone by selling out El Campín Stadium, becoming the first Colombian artist to do so, according to Billboard.

These achievements cemented his status as a cultural phenomenon, particularly among working-class audiences who saw their own stories reflected in his lyrics.

A useful visual here would be a timeline highlighting Jiménez’s career milestones, from early releases to his stadium concerts.

Statement from Yeison Jiménez’s team

Following confirmation of the tragedy, a representative for Jiménez released a statement on Instagram expressing profound grief.

“With heavy hearts and indescribable grief, Yeison Jiménez’s organization and team deeply regret to announce his passing,” the statement read in translation. “Today, we not only say goodbye to an artist; we say goodbye to a son, a brother, a friend, a human being full of dreams and courage, who transformed his story into a source of hope for thousands.”

The message underscored how deeply personal Jiménez’s journey was to fans who viewed him as more than just a performer.

Impact on Colombian music and fans

Jiménez’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, fans, and public divs across Colombia. Many credited him with bringing música popular to mainstream audiences and redefining the genre for a new generation.

Social media platforms were flooded with concert clips, lyrics, and personal messages, reflecting the emotional bond he shared with listeners.

For many fans, Jiménez represented proof that success was possible despite hardship, making his sudden loss especially painful.

What happens next in the investigation?

Authorities have not yet released preliminary findings. Investigators are examining flight data, aircraft maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of takeoff.

Given the high-profile nature of the victims, officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Until then, many questions remain unanswered about what caused the crash.

Family and legacy

Yeison Jiménez is survived by his spouse and three children. Tributes have emphasized not only his professional success but also his devotion to his family, which he often highlighted in interviews and songs.

His legacy, however, extends far beyond charts and sold-out venues. Jiménez leaves behind a body of work that reshaped Colombian música popular and inspired thousands who saw their own struggles reflected in his rise.

TL;DR

Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez, 34, died in a plane crash near Paipa on January 10 while traveling to a concert in Medellín. The crash killed six people, including his manager. A video recorded moments before takeoff has gone viral, intensifying public grief. Jiménez was one of Colombia’s most successful música popular artists, known for record-breaking concerts and a powerful rags-to-riches story. An official investigation into the crash is ongoing.