The Last Call from Diomedes Díaz’s Former Manager: Insights into Manuel José Páez’s Death
Discovery of the Body
On December 30, 2022, the Colombian music industry was shaken by the tragic discovery of Manuel José Páez Álvarez, the former manager of renowned vallenato artist Diomedes Díaz. His lifeless body was found on a hill connecting El Rodadero to the beaches of Inca Inca and Calderón in Santa Marta. Initial investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death have revealed critical findings that rule out robbery, homicide, and accidental death.
Investigation Findings
According to the Santa Marta Metropolitan Police, the investigation concluded that there was no sign of robbery or foul play. Essential to this determination was the absence of violence at the scene, the condition of his body, and a key piece of evidence—Páez’s last phone call. This analysis led investigators to a significant finding: there was no third-party involvement in the incident.
The body was located around noon, prompting the activation of standard judicial protocols for evidence collection. Given the area’s popularity among walkers and athletes, initial assumptions regarding the cause of death included several possibilities. However, as the investigation progressed, it became clear that no outside factors contributed.
The Last Phone Call
The last person to communicate with Páez was his daughter, Isabela Páez Ariza, who recounted their final discussions minutes before the tragic event. In her statement to authorities, she described an unusual farewell; her father expressed gratitude for the time they shared and indicated he no longer wished to continue living.
This troubling conversation suggested that Páez was aware of his decision, prompting investigators to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to his death accurately. Colonel Jaime Ríos of the Santa Marta Metropolitan Police emphasized that all personal belongings were found intact, including his cell phone and documentation, further eliminating theories of theft or violence.
Mental Health Concerns
Throughout the investigation, significant attention was directed toward the mental health history of Manuel José Páez. According to family members, he suffered from anxiety and depression—conditions that were well-known among his close circle. This background played a crucial role in understanding the events that transpired leading to his death.
Closing the Case
Ultimately, the authorities confirmed that no evidence of struggle or external violence was found on his body. After gathering comprehensive insights from family and examining the scene, they closed the case, reiterating that there were no grounds for continuing a criminal investigation.
A Legacy Remembered
Manuel José Páez Álvarez was a notable figure in the Colombian music industry, especially within the vallenato genre. His contributions from 2005 to 2013 were significant, managing concerts and negotiating contracts for Diomedes Díaz. Following his departure from the limelight, he led a quiet life in Santa Marta, away from the pressures of the media.
After the investigation, Isabela traveled to Santa Marta to claim her father’s body, which was later transported to Ocaña, Norte de Santander, for a private funeral. The shocking and sorrowful nature of his passing has elicited a wave of condolences across the artistic community, underscoring the impact of his life and work.