Xavier Ortiz, former singer of Mexican group Garibaldi, dies at 48

Xavier Ortiz, the former singer of Mexican group Garibaldi, has died aged 48.

Garibaldi member Sergio Mayer announced the news of Ortiz's death via Twitter on Monday, September 7. Mexican newspaper, Reforma, later reported that the singer died by suicide on Monday afternoon in his home in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

"With deep sadness and great pain, I report the passing of my dear brother and great colleague of the Garibaldi Group and actor, Xavier Ortiz," Mayer tweeted in Spanish. "My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the arts community."

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Ortiz had previously revealed that he had been struggling financially and was selling face masks and hand sanitiser as the coronavirus pandemic began spreading.

"It's complicated. Thank God I have some savings but you see your account go down every month and you feel the nerves start to flow," he said in an interview with Ventaneando back in April. "I am going through a hard time. The truth is that I am.

"I've cried and have gotten upset for some decisions I've made. What can I do?"

The Mexican vocalist was among the original members of Garibaldi: Ortiz, Mayer, Paty Manterola, Charlie López, Pilar Montenegro, Luisa Fernanda Lozano, Katia Llamos and Victor Noriega. The group was formed in 1988 and became well-recognised in the early '90s. Garibaldi's hit songs included 'Banana' and 'La Ventanita.'

Ortiz went on to marry bandmate Manterola in 1999 after being romantically involved for 10 years. The pair were married for five years before splitting.

Manterola, who is still a singer and actress, shared her heartbreaking tribute to her ex-husband on Monday.

"This is how I'm going to remember you dear Xavi," the star wrote. "With that contagious, beautiful smile that stuck on to everyone who had the pleasure of crossing your path.

"You had a noble and sensitive heart, you had that want to help anyone who asked for it, you had those crystalline eyes that couldn't hide your feelings, you had that immense love for your son.

"Now you're in the arms of your beautiful mother whom you missed so much. From here, I send a tight, tight hug to your family ... Have a good trip back home dear Xavi!"

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.