Omar Geles composer of Vallenato music dies at the age of 57

• Omar Geles passes away unexpectedly.
• He suffered cardiorespiratory arrest while playing.
• Valledupar declares three days of mourning.

On the night of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the world of vallenato music was shaken by tragic news: the death of a legend.

Omar Geles, one of the most renowned composers in the vallenato genre, has passed away at the age of 57.

It is worth noting that Geles was admitted to the Erasmo Clinic in Valledupar as an emergency after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest.

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Composer Omar Geles dies

Urgent From the Erasmo Clinic in Valledupar, the death of the Vallenato singer and composer Omar Geles is confirmed. He was playing tennis when he had a massive heart attack.

Peace in his grave to the greatest composer of vallenato music in recent decades

RIP pic.twitter.com/AVwZ3H2e8A

— Luis Aníbal Rincón Arguello. ® (@Rincon001A) May 22, 2024

According to his family and the clinic, the cardiorespiratory arrest caused his immediate death, as reported by Infobae.

The tragic incident occurred while the composer was playing padel, a sport he practiced regularly.

His family and his friend, composer Wilfran Castillo, confirmed Geles’s death.

Castillo, visibly affected, was seen outside the clinic, sharing the grief of the loss with close friends and fans.

Mourning in vallenato music

A teacher, a great Omar geles pic.twitter.com/Jw2ZHOzXqX

— Valentina Araújo (@Valentinarauj18) May 22, 2024

This event closes a chapter in the life of Geles, who had already faced serious health issues in the past. It is worth recalling that in April 2024, he was hospitalized in Miami, United States.

On April 27, during a performance on stage, Geles collapsed after experiencing severe pain in his arms and chest.

Omar Geles leaves behind an impressive musical legacy and an indelible mark on the history of vallenato.

Born in Valledupar, Geles stood out as a composer, singer, and accordionist, making significant contributions to the genre. He authored «Los Caminos de la Vida,» recorded in 1993 and considered one of the best songs in vallenato.

Omar Geles

On social media, vallenato artist and son of Diomedes Díaz, Elder Dayán, wrote on his X account: «The folklore is in mourning… Omar Geles, may God receive you in His holy glory.»

Another artist associated with the vallenato genre, accordionist Rolando Ochoa, expressed his condolences: «There are no words, we are all devastated. We were just in Bogotá on Saturday.»

«His death truly pains me; Omar Geles was an amazing composer, with beautiful songs,» one post read on social media.

«We have lost one of this country’s greatest composers. Thank you, Omar Geles, for so many beautiful songs,» were among the comments.