Mauro Menéndez, the 30-year-old son of actress Aylín Mujica, passed away on July 17, 2026. Confirmed by Telemundo, the tragedy occurred while Mujica was filming Top Chef VIP in Colombia. Reports indicate Menéndez, a rising electronic music producer, suffered a heart attack following a battle with pneumonia.
Mujica was in the middle of a high-stakes filming block for Top Chef VIP when the call came.
The Bottom Line
- The Event: Mauro Menéndez (30) died on July 17 after complications from pneumonia and a reported heart attack.
- The Confirmation: While initial reports came from journalist Mandy Fridmann, Telemundo officially confirmed the death and offered condolences.
- The Legacy: Known professionally as MAAHEZ, Mauro was a producer in the house and moombahton scenes, collaborating with artists like DVBBS.
The Timeline of a Family Tragedy
The news first broke via Mandy Fridmann, who noted that Mauro had been in delicate health. According to the reports, Mujica had urged her son to avoid traveling and prioritize his recovery from pneumonia. Late on the night of July 16, the news reached Mujica in Colombia.
While journalists like Ana María Alvarado of Sale el Sol attempted to reach the actress for a statement, Mujica remained silent on her official channels. It was only when the hosts of En Casa con Telemundo spoke out that the industry had its official confirmation.
Telemundo described Mujica as an “appreciated member” of their family, urging the public to respect her privacy as she traveled to Barbados to identify the body and handle the repatriation process. This move to Barbados is significant, as it is where the core of the family resides, far from the glare of the Miami and Mexico City spotlights.
From Soap Opera Roots to Electronic Beats
Aylín Mujica became a mother at just 19 years old with her first husband, the musician Osamu Menéndez.
Operating under the moniker MAAHEZ, he pivoted away from traditional instrumentation toward the digital pulse of tech house and latin house.
| Artist Alias | Primary Genres | Key Collaborations | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAAHEZ | House, Tech House, Moombahton | DVBBS, Good Times Ahead, San Pacho | “Tequila”, “Isla de Mujeres”, “Safari” |
