Sergio “Checo” Padilla, veteran of Mexico’s “Buenos Días” radio show, dies at 72

Sergio “Checo” Padilla, a longtime singer and collaborator on the iconic Mexican morning program “Buenos Días,” died at the age of 72. The death was announced on social media by journalist Alex Kaffie, who confirmed that Padilla’s funeral services were held on Friday and Saturday at Casa Funeraria JMC in Ecatepec, State of Mexico, and that he was laid to rest according to his wishes.

Padilla was a key figure on “Buenos Días,” the program hosted for decades by legendary announcer Héctor Martínez Serrano. The show, which combined news, commentary, music and audience interaction, originally aired from XEW Radio before moving to Radio Centro’s frequencies. While the family has not disclosed the cause of death, online speculation has linked the passing to a possible violent assault, prompting calls for justice.

The loss has been mourned by former co‑hosts and listeners, who recall Padilla’s contributions to the program’s warm and familiar style that reached millions of Mexican households.