Overview
- An official family communiqué on February 21 confirmed Willie Colón died that morning at age 75, noting he “parted in peace” surrounded by loved ones.
- Days earlier, local reports and social posts said he had been admitted to Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville with severe respiratory complications, though no official cause of death has been released.
- Artists and institutions shared condolences, including messages from Rubén Blades, Bobby Valentín, Víctor Manuelle, Elvis Crespo, Grupo Niche, and The Latin Recording Academy.
- Colón was a central architect of New York salsa through Fania Records and the Fania All-Stars, creating landmark work with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, including the best‑selling salsa album Siembra.
- The family thanked fans for prayers, requested privacy during their grief, and further medical details or funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.