Yeison Jiménez: From Humble Beginnings to Tragic Plane Crash Death – Biography, Career, Family, and Legacy
The inspiring journey of Colombia's música popular superstar who rose from poverty to stadiums, only to leave us too soon
Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano rose from poverty in rural Colombia to become a música popular icon, selling out stadiums and inspiring millions before his untimely death at 34 in a plane crash. His life story of struggle, triumph, and family devotion captivivates fans searching for "Yeison Jiménez biography," "Yeison Jiménez death," and "Yeison Jiménez top songs."
Born on July 26, 1991, in Manzanares, Caldas, Jiménez embodied resilience amid family hardship and urban grit. He released eight albums, wrote over 70 songs, and shattered records as the first música popular artist to sell out Bogotá's Movistar Arena in 2024. On January 10, 2026, a private plane crash in Paipa, Boyacá, claimed his life along with five others, sparking global tributes.
Early Life and Family Struggles
Yeison Jiménez grew up in Manzanares, Caldas, a coffee region town, born to parents Orlando Jiménez Aristizábal and Luz Mery Galeano, both merchants grappling with heavy alcohol use. His parents separated amid domestic abuse; his mother fled with Yeison and his sister to Manizales, then Bogotá after abandonment by her partner.
In Bogotá's tough streets, teenage Yeison worked at Corabastos wholesale market, loading produce to support his family. He faced drug addiction, a stroke, crime leading to house arrest, and alcoholism inherited from family. During seven months of house arrest, school became his refuge; he graduated high school and scored high on Colombia's ICFES exam, forgoing university for music.
These "schools of life" shaped his raw, emotional songwriting on love, pain, and perseverance. No public records detail patents, but his early contests at age seven in Caldas revealed his Leo zodiac talent.
Education and Early Career Hurdles
Jiménez's education blended formal grit and street wisdom. Post-house arrest, he prioritized studies, earning top marks despite restrictions. No higher education followed; music called at 17.
His career ignited with "Te Deseo Lo Mejor" in 2013 on Con El Corazón: Vol. 1, produced by Jorge González. Bogotá's underbelly fueled demos, but breakthroughs came via regional radio. Hits like "Por Qué La Envidia" (2014) on Vuelve y Me Pasa (2015) toured nationwide, collaborating with El Charrito Negro and Jhonny Rivera.
Peak arrived post-2021 Yo Me Llamo judging on Caracol TV. He sold out Movistar Arena (2024), El Campín Stadium (2025), revitalizing música popular per Blu Radio.
Career Stats, Top Songs, and Achievements
Jiménez's stats dazzle: 8 albums, 70+ songs, millions of streams. YouTube earnings hit $30K+ monthly; total discography spans Todo de Mi (Vol. 4) (2017), Mi Promesa (2019), live En Escena, Vol. 1 (2023).
Top 10 Songs (by streams, fan lists):
- Aventurero
- Vete
- Hasta La Madre
- Por Qué La Envidia
- Mi Venganza
- MLP (Me La Pelaron)
- Guaro (Remix)
- Ni Tengo Ni Necesito
- Vuelve y Me Pasa
- De Pura Rabia
Awards include Premios Nuestra Tierra nominations (Artista Popular del Año), Premios Juventud/Lo Nuestro nods, Mejor Artista Revelación (Premios D'Repente Films). He earned "Embajador de la Música Popular Regional Colombiana" (2023).
No movies star him; TV via Yo Me Llamo. Height/weight unconfirmed publicly.
Personal Life: Wife, Kids, and Net Worth
Jiménez married Sonia Restrepo, met at 22 during a Caldas concert when she was 18. A public accountant specializing in tax law, she managed privacy amid fame.
They raised three kids: Camila (Sonia's from prior relationship, embraced fully), Thaliana, and Santiago (born July 2024). Family topped his priorities; December 2025 posts celebrated them during Día de las Velitas.
Net worth: $5-6 million USD from music, YouTube ($1.1M-$6.62M estimated), tours, merch. Ventures: livestock (cattle, paso fino horses), farms, U.S. real estate, agritourism.
No girlfriend rumors post-marriage; stable image prevailed.
Scandals, Controversies, and Social Media
Jiménez avoided major scandals; family alcoholism and youth crime featured in bios as overcome hurdles. A 2024 controversy hit over "dubious awards" in Congress' Elliptical Hall, criticized as private events using public space amid "canje" (exchange) claims. No bans or legal fallout confirmed.
Social presence boomed: Instagram (@yeison_jimenez, 5M followers), X/Twitter (@yeison_jimenez, 57K), YouTube (high earnings). Handlers: Manager@YeisonJimenez.com (+57 313 854...). No public contact/email/phone.
Tragic Death in Plane Crash
January 10, 2026: Piper PA-31 Navajo (N325FA) crashed post-takeoff from Paipa's Juan José Rondón Airport, en route to Medellín concert. Failed altitude gain led to field impact near Paipa-Duitama; all six aboard (Jiménez, pilots, team) died instantly.
Aerocivil probes causes; flames engulfed wreckage. Premonition posts fueled tributes.
Legacy and Impact
Jiménez revitalized música popular, bridging traditions with youth appeal. From Corabastos to El Campín, his rags-to-riches tale inspires. Posthumous streams surge; catalog endures via Sony Music.
Tributes hail his mentorship, family values, rural roots. Legacy: genre ambassador, resilient voice for Colombia's heartland.

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