The Puebla-Orizaba highway, a critical artery in Mexico’s road network, witnessed a tragedy that has left the entertainment world in shock. The cumbia group, Los Telez, is at the epicenter of this heartbreak, grappling with the sudden loss of their esteemed manager, Carlos Jaimes, fondly referred to as Charly within the music community.
The accident, occurring on the morning of August 30, has also claimed another life and left two of the band members injured.
A Morning Turned Tragic
On that ill-fated Wednesday, a severe traffic snarl enveloped the Puebla-Orizaba highway around kilometer 163. An unrelated accident involving two large trucks was the culprit. Stuck amidst this gridlock, the driver of Los Telez’s tour bus, in a bid to circumvent the congestion, made the fateful decision to execute a “U” turn. This maneuver went awry when an oncoming trailer, hurtling at full throttle, crashed into their bus.
The resulting collision was catastrophic. Apart from Carlos “Charly” Jaimes, the unidentified trailer driver also succumbed to his injuries. Two other members of Los Telez had to be rushed to nearby medical facilities, although their conditions are now reported to be stable.
The band took to social media to express their grief: “We sympathize with the family and friends of our partner Carlos Jaimes… He will always be in our hearts. We also regret the profound loss of the driver of the trailer…“
Los Telez: Resilience Amidst Desolation
The accident’s emotional and physical repercussions on the band members are palpable. Yet, even amidst their mourning, Los Telez has shown commendable resilience and commitment to their craft and fans. Their press release conveyed a message of determination: “We have the firm conviction to move forward.” However, they also highlighted that Iván Telez, the group’s founder and keyboardist, would be taking a brief hiatus from their events, allowing himself time to recover from the injuries sustained during the accident.
In a testament to their indomitable spirit, the group has announced that they will honor their concert commitments. Fans can look forward to their performance on Saturday, September 2, at the Iztacamaxtitlan fair in Puebla.
While the melodies of Los Telez will continue to enchant, the void left by Charly Jaimes’s departure serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life. The grupero genre, and indeed the broader music community, will feel his absence for years to come.