Emilio Navaira, the Tejano music legend who, along with Selena, helped catapult Tejano music to the mainstream, has died. After being found unconscious by family members on Monday, the 53-year-old was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack, but an autopsy has yet to be performed.
Navaira will be remembered for helping put Tejano music on the map. “He was the male to Tejano music what Selena was as the female to Tejano music,” San Antonio disc jockey Randy Carroll told Reuters.
Friends and fans of Navaira took to social media to express their condolences.
Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister, sent a message to Navaira’s family.
A.B. Quintanilla also posted a message to his fans.
Some shared old photos, like this shot of Navaira with Selena.
Two legends gone ? #EmilioNavaira pic.twitter.com/jnm9c1ffkp
— jóhce flowers (@Jocyy_5810) May 17, 2016
Credit: @Jocyy_5810 / Twitter
Other shared personal photos of the moment they met Navaira.
Memories of your electrifying live performances and classic hits will live with me forever! RIP #EmilioNavaira pic.twitter.com/er0SKy03JR
— Lou Ramirez (@LouRamirez) May 17, 2016
Credit: @LouRamirez / Twitter
Chingo Bling kept it short and sweet.
RIP Tejano legend ???? #emilionavaira https://t.co/sVsOfl4Hbs
— Chingo Bling (@ChingoBling) May 17, 2016
Credit: @ChingoBling / Twitter
Some fans recalled memories of hearing his music at family gatherings.
Listening to Cómo Le Haré by Emilio Navaira because it's always one of my faves to hear at a wedding, quince or any party?? #RIPEmilio
— kassie (@kassie__aguilar) May 17, 2016
Credit: @kassie_aguilar / Twitter
And dancing to Navaira’s music with family.
I grew up to his music, danced to it with my Dad. It's a sad day in the Tejano World. Rest in Peace, #EmilioNavaira. pic.twitter.com/5CymYwnMM7
— B (@accebeR_) May 17, 2016
Credit: @accebeR_ / Twitter
Texas-based radio DJ Michelle Rodriguez shared one of her favorite dance moves.
Here you go! That famous shuffle we would all dance on cue and channel our inner Raulito. #EmilioNavaira #RIPEmilio pic.twitter.com/bpNQSFZOM4
— Michelle Rodriguez (@michrod) May 17, 2016
Credit: @michrod / Twitter
And this fan shared a memory that’ll hit close to home.
R.I.P Emilio Navaira
Grew up cleaning the house to your music, lol— ¯_(ツ)_/¯ (@_LionFlores) May 17, 2016
Credit: @_LionFlores / Twitter
Watch Emilio Navaira and Selena perform together at the Tejano Music Awards:
Credit: selenaisawesome1 / YouTube
READ: Meet Johnny Canales, The Texas TV Host Who Helped Put Selena On The Map
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