Felipe Arriaga was a talented and popular singer and actor from Mexico, who was known for his songs and movies in the 70s and 80s. He was also a friend and mentor of Vicente Fernández, one of the most famous singers of ranchera music. But his life was cut short by a brutal murder in 1988, leaving behind a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. How did Felipe Arriaga die? And who killed him? Here is what we know.
Early Life and Career of Felipe Arriaga
Felipe Arriaga was born on September 27, 1937, in Rancho El Pitayo, municipality of Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán, Mexico. His real name was José Luis Aguilar Oseguera, and he was the eleventh child of Don Gerardo and Doña Meche Aguilar. He had a humble upbringing and only studied until the second year of elementary school. He worked as an apprentice shoemaker to help his family.
In 1953, the Aguilar family moved to Mexico City, where Don Gerardo formed a mariachi band called Mariachi Aguilar. Felipe joined the band as one of its members, and soon showed his talent and charisma as a singer. In 1967, he invited a young man from Jalisco to join his band as the lead singer. That man was Vicente Fernández, who would later become a legend of Mexican music. Felipe and Vicente became close friends and collaborators, and Felipe helped Vicente to launch his career.
Felipe also pursued a career as an actor, appearing in more than 20 movies, mostly in the genre of comedy and western. Some of his most notable films were Un Cura de Locura (A Crazy Priest), Entre Monjas Anda el Diablo (The Devil Walks Among Nuns), and Juan Colorado. He also recorded several albums as a solo artist, and had hits such as Pelea de Perros (Dog Fight), Bajo el Cielo de Morelia (Under the Sky of Morelia), Corazón Apasionado (Passionate Heart), and El Adiós del Soldado (The Soldier’s Farewell), a duet with Vicente Fernández.
The Murder of Felipe Arriaga
On November 3, 1988, Felipe Arriaga was killed outside his home in Playa Miramar 361, in the Military Marte neighborhood of Mexico City. He had just returned from having lunch with his friend Ramiro Escobar, and was greeted by his wife Modesta and his children Norma, Gerardo, and Tonantzin. Ramiro invited Felipe and his son Gerardo to see his new car, a Ford Cougar, that he had just bought. As they were admiring the car, two armed men came out of the shadows and opened fire at them. Felipe was hit by five bullets and died on the spot. Ramiro and Gerardo managed to escape and call for help.
The police arrived at the scene and found Felipe’s body lying on the sidewalk, covered with a blanket. They also found several bullet casings and a machine gun. The killers had fled in a blue van that was waiting for them nearby. The motive and the identity of the murderers were never established, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
There are many theories and rumors about why Felipe Arriaga was killed. Some say that it was a revenge attack by a criminal gang that he had confronted. Others say that it was a personal vendetta by someone who envied his success or had a grudge against him. Some even suggest that it was a political assassination, as Felipe was a supporter of the opposition party. However, none of these hypotheses have been confirmed or proven.
The Legacy of Felipe Arriaga
Felipe Arriaga left behind a legacy of music and cinema that is still remembered and appreciated by his fans. He was also a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend to many people who mourned his loss. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including his friend Vicente Fernández, who sang a song in his honor. Felipe was buried in the Panteón Jardín cemetery in Mexico City.
Felipe Arriaga’s life and death have also inspired several tributes and homages in the media. In 1990, a biographical film called Felipe Arriaga: El Príncipe Purépecha (Felipe Arriaga: The Purépecha Prince) was released, starring José Luis Aguilar, Felipe’s son, as his father. In 2022, a Netflix series called El Rey: Vicente Fernández (The King: Vicente Fernández) was released, featuring Raúl Sandoval as Felipe Arriaga. The series tells the story of Vicente Fernández’s rise to fame, and his friendship with Felipe Arriaga.
Felipe Arriaga was a talented and popular singer and actor from Mexico, who was killed in a mysterious and tragic way. His death remains a mystery that haunts his fans and his family. How did Felipe Arriaga die? We may never know the answer, but we can always remember his life and his art.