A private plane carrying Colombian singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez crashed in Paipa, Colombia, on Saturday, January 11, 2026, killing all six people on board just hours before a scheduled performance in Medellín.
Jiménez, 34, was among the victims of the crash that occurred moments after takeoff around 4 p.m. local time. The aircraft, registered as N325FA, went down in the area between Paipa and Duitama in the Boyacá department of central-eastern Colombia. The plane burst into flames following the impact.
The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the deaths of all six occupants. In addition to Jiménez, the victims included Captain Hernando Torres, Juan Manuel Rodríguez, Óscar Marín, Jefferson Osorio, and Weisman Mora. Mora, who worked as a photographer for the singer, posted a final video before takeoff showing the group aboard the aircraft as it prepared for departure.
Videos circulated by Colombian media captured the moments before the tragedy unfolded. The footage shows the plane taking off while voices can be heard shouting, “runway is run out.” Later images showed the wreckage of the aircraft engulfed in flames.
The group had been heading to Medellín for a concert performance.
The Boyacá governor declared mourning in the department following the accident. Transportation Minister Fernanda Rojas said on social media that authorities had begun investigations to determine the causes of the accident. The Civil Aviation Authority added that the Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation had activated the protocol for proceedings, including the collection of evidence.
The aircraft belonged to YJ Company SAS, a firm associated with the singer. Jiménez had purchased the plane in August 2022 as his career and financial success grew.
Shortly before boarding the fatal flight, Jiménez had posted to social media with the message, “Always humble,” reflecting on his philosophy about success and life. Earlier that day, he had stopped to buy cheese near the airport and posed for selfies with staff members, showing no apparent concern about the upcoming journey.
In an eerie coincidence, Jiménez had previously shared that he dreamed three times of being in a plane crash. In one of those dreams, he said he died and appeared on the news. The singer had also revealed experiencing a previous emergency landing involving an aircraft 10 days before his son was born.
Jiménez built his career around the musica popular folk genre, a style deeply rooted in Colombian culture. His music resonated with audiences who appreciated both the cultural authenticity and contemporary appeal he brought to the style.
His musical journey began early in life. Jiménez started performing at the age of seven, demonstrating an early passion and talent that would define his life’s work. Over the course of his career, he published eight albums and wrote 70 songs, establishing himself as a prolific artist whose work connected with fans across Colombia and beyond.
The singer-songwriter’s success represented more than commercial achievement. He became known as someone who transformed personal struggles into messages of hope and perseverance for his audience. His music often reflected themes of hard work, determination, and community values that resonated particularly with working-class Colombians who saw their own experiences reflected in his lyrics.
Following the crash, tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and public figures. Camila Jimenez and Sonia Restrepo were among family members mourning the loss. The tragedy also claimed the lives of his team members, each of whom played essential roles in supporting his performances and public appearances.
The investigation into the crash continues as authorities work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down so quickly after departure. The Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation follows established protocols in such cases, examining all available evidence including witness accounts, video footage, aircraft maintenance records, and physical wreckage. These investigations typically examine factors including mechanical failure, pilot error, weather conditions, and any other circumstances that may have contributed to the accident.
Small aircraft accidents, while less common than incidents involving larger commercial planes, present unique investigative challenges. Private planes often operate under different regulatory frameworks than commercial airlines, and the causes of crashes can range from maintenance issues to pilot decision-making to environmental factors. The quick progression from takeoff to crash in this case suggests investigators will focus particularly on the critical moments immediately after the aircraft left the ground.
The loss represents a significant blow to Colombian music and culture. Jiménez occupied a unique space in the country’s artistic landscape, bridging traditional folk music with contemporary sensibilities. His ability to honor the roots of musica popular while making it accessible to younger generations had earned him respect from both traditionalists and new fans discovering the genre.
For many Colombians, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, Jiménez represented the possibility of success through talent and determination. His story of starting to perform as a young child and eventually achieving national recognition served as inspiration. The fact that he maintained connections to his community and expressed gratitude for his success made his loss feel personal to many who followed his career.
The aviation community in Colombia now faces questions about safety standards for private aircraft, particularly those used for entertainment industry travel. Musicians, athletes, and other public figures frequently rely on private planes to maintain demanding tour schedules and reach venues in areas not well-served by commercial aviation. Each accident prompts renewed examination of the risks associated with this mode of transportation and whether additional safety measures could prevent future tragedies.
The governor’s declaration of mourning in Boyacá reflects the regional impact of the loss. While Jiménez had achieved national prominence, his death resonates particularly in the areas where the crash occurred and where he had performed throughout his career. The declaration provides official recognition of the tragedy’s significance to the community.
As investigation teams work to piece together the final moments of Flight N325FA, the Colombian music world continues to process the sudden loss of one of its prominent voices. The circumstances surrounding the crash and the singer’s own premonitions about such an event have added layers of poignancy to an already devastating tragedy.
Sources:
https://abc7.com/post/colombian-singer-yeison-jimenez-among-6-dead-plane-crash-central-eastern-colombia/18384845/
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/colombian-singer-yeison-jimenez-dies-plane-crash-hours-before-scheduled-performance
https://nypost.com/2026/01/11/entertainment/singer-yeison-jimenez-killed-in-plane-crash-after-revealing-fatal-premonition/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37875346/singer-yeison-jimenez-killed-horror-plane-crash/
