Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has died, aged 39.
The actor was known for his role for originating the role of Dario Hernandez on the long-running soap opera, which has been running on American television since 1965.
He was found dead at his home, with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirming San Martin died by suicide.
The Spanish actor was born on 27 August 1985 and starred on the show for six months in 2011. His character, Hernandez was a petty thief who arrives in Salem to look into a cold case. He then moved to Argentina for a promotion before later being portrayed by Jordi Vilasuso from 2016 to 2017.
San Martin joined The Bold and the Beautiful in 2017 as groundskeeper, Mateo, who gets caught up in one of Sheila’s schemes at Forrester Manor.
His appearances also included a story arc on Jane the Virgin starring Gina Rodriguez. He played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, and appeared in Seasons 3 and 4, for a brief and chaotic relationship with Jane.
Days of our Lives co-star Camila Banus — who portrayed San Martin’s on-screen sister Gabi — posted a tribute on Instagram according to Forbes: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend,” she wrote, adding, “Love you mucho mucho mucho; I wish I had told you more.”
One person was left in shock as they wrote: “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
