A talented young vocalist's promising career came to a tragic end following what should have been another successful performance with her cumbia band in Peru.
According to the Daily Mail, Alezka Thalia Manrique, who performed under the stage name Thalia Castillo, was fatally shot inside her tour bus during an armed robbery in Bagua Grande.
The 27-year-old mother of two was returning from a show with her band Hermanos Guerreros when six gunmen ambushed their vehicle early Sunday morning around 5 AM.
The assailants forced the driver off the bus and assaulted the band members. In a desperate attempt to escape, Manrique ran to the back of the bus and tried to hide in the bathroom. The gunmen shot her in the leg and back before dragging her body from the vehicle and leaving her in a roadside ditch.
The bandits ordered other band members to remain on the ground while they stole their musical instruments and performance earnings. Manrique was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Band member Ingrid Vallejo provided details of the horrific incident to authorities. Vallejo explained how Manrique instinctively sought refuge in the bus bathroom when the attack began.
Vallejo shared her memories of her fallen bandmate with Radio Exitosa:
Thalia was a person full of joy, always with a smile. Her talent and dedication to music made her special.
Manrique's brother, Jair Enrique, spoke to RPP radio on Monday about the ongoing investigation. He revealed that the Peru National Police had identified the suspects and were awaiting arrest warrants to apprehend them.
The rising star had only joined Hermanos Guerreros two months before her death. She was also pursuing higher education and was set to graduate with a business administration degree later this month.
The band expressed their grief in an official statement: "Your face, your smile and your voice will always remain in our memory."
Manrique leaves behind two children and a legacy of dedication to her musical craft. Her commitment to pursuing both her artistic passion and academic goals showcased her determination to succeed.
The young performer's death has deeply affected Peru's music community. Her bandmates remember her not just for her vocal talents, but for the joy and enthusiasm she brought to their performances.
The tragedy highlights the risks performers face while traveling for shows, particularly during late-night hours. Her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of touring artists in certain regions.
