The international music fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the confirmed death of Yeison Jiménez, a titan of the Colombian music scene. The celebrated singer-songwriter was one of six victims of a catastrophic light aircraft accident on Saturday, 10 January 2026. The disaster, which took place in the Boyacá province of central-eastern Colombia, has left the nation reeling and claimed the lives of over half of the individuals on board.
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Details of the Fatal Ascent
The tragedy unfolded at the Juan José Rondón Airport in Paipa. Mr Jiménez and his entourage were reportedly aboard a private charter destined for Medellín, where the artist was due to prepare for a major concert scheduled for Sunday evening in Marinilla. According to the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude during its departure.
Eyewitness accounts and digital footage recorded by onlookers show the aircraft taxying towards the runway’s threshold in apparently normal conditions. However, upon attempting to rotate and climb, the vessel reportedly lost control at the end of the runway, crashing into the rugged terrain between the municipalities of Paipa and Duitama.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Local police and specialised search-and-rescue units were dispatched to the site within minutes of the impact. While six people, including the 34-year-old musician, were pronounced dead at the scene, five survivors were miraculously pulled from the wreckage. These individuals are currently receiving intensive medical care at regional trauma centres, with several listed in a critical condition.
Table: Overview of the Paipa Aviation Disaster
| Feature | Incident Particulars |
| Date & Time | Saturday, 10 January 2026; Local Time |
| Location | Paipa-Duitama Corridor, Boyacá, Colombia |
| Principal Casualty | Yeison Jiménez (Award-winning Vocalist) |
| Fatality Count | 6 Persons |
| Survivor Count | 5 Persons (Hospitalised) |
| Investigative Lead | Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation |
| Flight Mission | Private transit to Medellín for a concert |
A Cultural Void in Latin America
Yeison Jiménez was a central figure in the música popular genre, a style deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Colombian interior. His journey from a humble street vendor to a multi-platinum recording artist was a source of national pride. His lyrics, often exploring themes of perseverance, heartbreak, and redemption, resonated across generations.
As news of his passing spread, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from high-profile contemporaries and political leaders alike. The Mayor of Paipa has expressed “profound sorrow” over the event, while fans have transformed the entrance of the Juan José Rondón Airport into a floral shrine.
The Search for Answers
The Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation has cordoned off the crash site to preserve evidence. Investigators are currently focused on potential mechanical failures, though they have not ruled out environmental factors or weight-and-balance issues. A formal inquiry is underway to determine why a routine take-off resulted in such a devastating loss of life.