Singer Diego Gallardo, known as “Air del Golfo”, dies during shooting in Guayaquil

(CNN Spanish) — Camille Gamarra, the partner of Diego Gallardo, known in the artistic world as “Air del Golfo”, confirmed the death of the singer through a publication on his Instagram account this Wednesday, and it is believed that he died “like a hero”, among the events. On January 9, violent incidents began in Guayaquil.

“You died like a hero, going to protect our son. Such great love without measures is what comforts us. My children could not have had a better father than you,” Gamra said in a message dedicated to the singer.

Gallardo was one of at least eight people who died after Tuesday’s attack in the Ecuadorian port city, officials said at a press conference. As the violence escalated, President Daniel Noboa decreed an internal armed conflict.

“If you look at everything you’ve left behind in music and culture, maybe you’ll see yourself with the same proud eyes that I’ve always seen you with every time you’re on stage. You’ll always admire me,” Gamera said.

The president of the National Assembly, Henri Kronfel, announced on Wednesday that the musician would be posthumously honored as a national hero.

“Diego Gallardo loses his life going to pick up his son from school. This is a hero of the country, gentlemen, a hero of the country and we must recognize him here in the National Assembly,” Kronfal mentioned.

CNN is trying to contact the authorities concerned to confirm the artist’s cause of death.

The president of Ecuador’s professional football league, Miguel Ángel Loor, mourned the artist’s death and confirmed by “husband, son, brother, grandson, everything first class. My wife’s cousin, my cousin”.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Culture and Heritage expressed its condolences to Gallardo’s family in a message that said the singer “leaves a significant void in Ecuadorian music.”

Among the most popular songs on Air del Golfo’s official Spotify playlist are “Mujer Pitahaya”, “Joke” and “De Pie”. The artist started active in 2016 and according to his official description on the platform his music is inspired by his hometown.

“Thank you for loving me without judging me and for teaching me what free and endless love is. Always stand up for our children and now your legacy,” Gemara said in the message, which was accompanied by a photo of Gallardo and his family.