Aylín Mujica learns of her 31-year-old son’s death while filming ‘Top Chef VIP’

Cuban actress Aylín Mujica and her former husband, musician Osamu Menéndez, are mourning the unexpected death of their son, Mauro Menéndez, who died at age 31.

The young artist, a DJ and music producer known professionally as MAAHEZ, died while traveling in Barbados. At the time, Mujica was in Colombia filming the new season of the culinary reality series Top Chef VIP.

The loss has sent shock waves through the entertainment community and prompted an outpouring of support for Mujica and her family during this deeply painful time.

Mujica received the call informing her of her son’s death while she was on set. She immediately stepped away from production to join her family.

Just two days earlier, she had shared her excitement about joining the cooking competition on social media.

“Taking each step with my heart leading the way. I’m so happy to begin this new journey with all my energy, all my determination and my whole truth. Here we go,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself wearing a chef’s apron.

Aylín Mujica Breaks Her Silence

Mujica has now spoken publicly about the sudden death of her eldest son. The actress responded to an Instagram post shared by the Telemundo news program Al Rojo Vivo, which reported Mauro’s death.

“Thank you so much, family. All I can say is that I’m devastated,” she wrote, adding a broken-heart emoji.

Her brief message marked her first public reaction to the tragedy. Mujica has otherwise remained out of the public eye as she grieves with her family.

What Is Known About Mauro Menéndez’s Death?

The family has not disclosed details surrounding the tragedy. However, reports from several local and Latin American media outlets suggest that Menéndez may have suffered a heart attack related to complications from pneumonia, which he had reportedly been battling for several days.

The reports indicate that the 31-year-old was in Barbados after traveling there to attend a sporting event. His condition reportedly worsened without warning, leaving his family and closest friends stunned by his sudden death.

Neither the family nor local authorities have issued an official statement confirming the cause of death. More information may be released in the coming days.

His Father Confirmed the News

Mauro’s father, Osamu Menéndez, confirmed his son’s death in an emotional social media post.

“Please forgive me; I can’t speak. My son Mauro died last night, and I’m devastated,” he wrote on July 17. “I’m on a plane to bring his body home. I love you all, always, and I’m grateful for your messages of condolence.”

Osamu expressed the family’s profound grief and thanked those who had reached out with messages of love and support. He accompanied the post with photographs of Mauro, remembering him as a young man filled with dreams, talent and a deep passion for music.

A Life Devoted to Music

Electronic music was Mauro Menéndez’s greatest passion. Performing under the stage name MAAHEZ, he had established himself as a DJ and music producer, appearing at clubs, festivals and other events, primarily in Miami and across the Caribbean and the United States.

He regularly shared glimpses of his performances, travels and music projects on social media, along with personal moments spent with friends. Those who knew him have described him as creative, enthusiastic and deeply committed to his craft.

His growing profile in the electronic music scene had taken him to stages in several countries, and his career was continuing to gain momentum.

His Close Bond With Aylín Mujica

Over the years, Mujica spoke in interviews about the pride she felt for her children and the central role family played in her life.

Although she generally kept her private life away from the cameras, she occasionally shared photographs and special moments with Mauro that offered a glimpse of their close relationship.

The actress often described motherhood as one of the foundations of her life. Despite a demanding career that required frequent travel, she made it a priority to support her children through every stage of their lives.