Ecuador reality star Erick Sánchez killed in Manabí

Erick Javier Sánchez Suárez, a former contestant on the Oromar Televisión reality competition BL N, was shot dead in the early hours of 5 July 2026 in the parish of Ayacucho, Santa Ana canton, Manabí province, Ecuador. He was taken to the Hospital of Specialties in Portoviejo, where doctors confirmed his death. The National Police have opened an investigation, collected evidence at the scene and moved the body to the forensic center in Portoviejo for autopsy.

The murder prompted an outpouring of grief on social media from family, friends and former BL N teammates. Producer Jean Paul Prellwitz posted, “my heart is completely broken,” while presenter Angelita Orellana urged “respect and empathy” for the family and warned against sensationalism. BL N announced a televised tribute for Sánchez on 6 July. The case has intensified public debate over rising violence in Manabí, though officials have not disclosed a motive or any arrests.