Cuban actress Aylín Mujica broke her silence this Saturday with a heart-wrenching Instagram post mourning the loss of her eldest son, Mauro Menéndez. The young DJ and music producer tragically passed away on July 16 in Barbados at the age of 30.
After two days of silence, Mujica shared her grief publicly. She was working in Bogotá, Colombia, filming Telemundo's culinary reality show Top Chef VIP when she received the devastating news.
"My heart is shattered by the loss of my son Mauro. He was a being full of light, love, joy, and immense kindness, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him," she wrote, alongside family photos of herself with Mauro.
She acknowledged the enormity of her loss: "His absence leaves a void impossible to describe. Learning to live with this pain will be the greatest challenge of my life."
Mujica concluded her message with a heartfelt farewell to her son: "Fly high my love, we will miss you greatly but I trust that God has you in a wonderful place. I ask only that you send me strength to endure this immense pain. I love you with all my life, my dear Mau."
Remembering Mauro Menéndez
In addition to her post, the actress shared an Instagram story featuring a video of what she described as the "last moments of Mauro's life," showing him on a beach in Barbados.
Media reports indicate that Mujica received a video call from her son as he was en route to the hospital, witnessing doctors attend to him after a first heart attack.
Despite suffering from pneumonia, Mauro traveled to Barbados against his mother's wishes. The official cause of death has not been confirmed, though reports suggest a heart attack as a complication of his illness.
Mauro's Musical Legacy
Known in the music world as DJ Maahez, Mauro made a name for himself in the international electronic music scene starting in 2014, pioneering the Global Bass and Moombahton movements.
He collaborated with major artists like Diplo, DJ Snake, Tiësto, Afrojack, and Steve Aoki, earning over 20 million digital streams. In 2020, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy as a co-producer on the album 1 Of 1 by Panamanian singer Sech.
Following the news of his passing, the production of Top Chef VIP halted filming for several days. Telemundo publicly extended its condolences in Mujica's post: "The entire Telemundo family is with you, Aylín. We send you strength, love, and our deepest condolences."
Family's Heartfelt Tributes
Cuban musician Osamu Menéndez, Mauro's father, confirmed his son's death on Facebook on July 17 with a message conveying his shock: "Forgive me, I cannot speak, my son Mauro died last night, and I am devastated. I am on the plane to retrieve his body."
The loss of Mauro is the second devastating blow for Osamu in under four months. In March 2026, he mourned the loss of Diana Díaz Olivera, the mother of his daughter Adri, who succumbed to a severe illness.
Cuban singer and actress Yoraisy Gómez, Osamu's wife and Mauro's stepmother, also shared her sorrow in a poignant audio clip on Instagram, questioning, "How do I explain to Oliver that you won't return?"
Understanding the Tragic Loss of Mauro Menéndez
Who was Mauro Menéndez?
Mauro Menéndez was a talented DJ and music producer known in the industry as DJ Maahez. He was recognized for pioneering the Global Bass and Moombahton music movements.
What were the circumstances surrounding Mauro's death?
Mauro Menéndez passed away in Barbados after traveling there despite suffering from pneumonia. Reports suggest he experienced a heart attack as a complication of his illness.
How has Aylín Mujica responded to her son's passing?
Aylín Mujica took to Instagram to share her grief and pay tribute to her son, expressing the immeasurable void his absence has left in her life.