Antonio Aguilar was a Mexican singer, actor, songwriter, equestrian, film producer, and screenwriter who had a remarkable career in music and cinema. He recorded over 150 albums, sold 25 million copies, and acted in more than 120 films. He was known as “El Charro de México” (Mexico’s Horseman) for popularizing the Mexican equestrian sport la charrería to international audiences. He was also the first Hispanic artist to sell out the Madison Square Garden of New York City for six consecutive nights in 1997. He died on June 19, 2007, at the age of 88. What was Antonio Aguilar’s cause of death? How did he spend his last days? Here is what we know.
The Onset of Pneumonia
According to CBS News, Antonio Aguilar’s death was caused by pneumonia, a lung infection that can be fatal if not treated properly. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms that enter the lungs and cause inflammation and fluid buildup. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs and can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Antonio Aguilar developed pneumonia in May 2007, after he suffered a fall at his ranch in Zacatecas, Mexico. He was hospitalized in Los Angeles, California, where he received treatment for several weeks. He seemed to recover from the infection and was discharged from the hospital on June 4, 2007. He returned to his home in Mexico City with his wife Flor Silvestre and his son Pepe Aguilar.
The Final Days
However, Antonio Aguilar’s condition worsened soon after he arrived in Mexico City. He was admitted to the Medica Sur hospital on June 5, 2007, where he was placed in intensive care. His lungs were severely damaged by the pneumonia and he required mechanical ventilation to breathe. He also developed kidney failure and septic shock, a life-threatening complication of infection that causes low blood pressure and organ dysfunction.
Antonio Aguilar remained in a coma for two weeks, while his family and fans prayed for his recovery. His wife Flor Silvestre stayed by his side throughout his hospitalization and sang to him every day. His son Pepe Aguilar also visited him regularly and updated the public on his father’s health status. He thanked the fans for their support and asked them to respect his father’s privacy.
On June 19, 2007, at 11:45 p.m., Antonio Aguilar passed away peacefully at the hospital. He was surrounded by his loved ones and his music. His death was announced by his son Pepe Aguilar on national television. He said: “With great sadness I inform you that my father has left us to be with God”. He also asked the fans to remember his father as a great artist and a great human being.
The Legacy
Antonio Aguilar’s death was mourned by millions of fans around the world who admired his talent and charisma. He was also honored by many celebrities and politicians who recognized his contribution to Mexican culture and history. Among them were President Felipe Calderón, who declared three days of national mourning; former President Vicente Fox, who called him “a symbol of Mexico”; singer Vicente Fernández, who said he was “the one to open doors for us in the United States and in Latin America”; and actress Salma Hayek, who said he was “a legend”.
Antonio Aguilar’s funeral was held on June 21, 2007, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Thousands of people attended the ceremony to pay their respects and say goodbye to their idol. His coffin was covered with a Mexican flag and a sombrero. His wife Flor Silvestre sang “Cielito Lindo” as a farewell song. His son Pepe Aguilar said: “He is not dead, he is immortal”.
Antonio Aguilar’s body was cremated and his ashes were taken to his ranch in Zacatecas, where he had requested to be buried. His ranch is now a museum that showcases his life and career. His legacy lives on through his music, his films, and his family. His wife Flor Silvestre continues to sing and act at the age of 91. His son Pepe Aguilar is one of the most successful singers in Mexico and has won four Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards. His grandchildren Leonardo Aguilar and Ángela Aguilar are also singers who have inherited their grandfather’s talent and passion.
Antonio Aguilar was a Mexican legend who left an indelible mark on the world with his voice and his vision. He was a man who loved his country, his culture, and his people. He was a man who inspired generations of artists and fans with his courage and his charisma. He was a man who died as he lived: with dignity and grace. He was Antonio Aguilar, El Charro de México.
