# Deaths of Caribbean musicians Vitico Hiraldo and Manolo del_

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-caribbean-musicians-vitico-hiraldo-and-manolo-del
> Updated: 2026-10-12T12:15:12.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Caribbean music community is mourning the deaths of two influential artists. 

In the Dominican Republic, Víctor Hiraldo Reyes, known as Vitico Hiraldo or Vitico el Pompo, has died at the age of 90. A significant figure in merengue típico, Hiraldo was a native of Puerto Plata who formed his first musical group in 1963. He was celebrated for his role in preserving Dominican musical traditions and is best remembered for the piece ‘El Pompo’. 

Additionally, the passing of Cuban bolero singer Manolo del Valle has been noted. Born Manuel Batista Salgado, the 84-year-old musician was a prominent vocalist for the group Original de Manzanillo for fourteen years before pursuing a solo career in Havana.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Caribbean music community mourns deaths of Manolo del Valle and Vitico Hiraldo

Two prominent Caribbean musicians have passed away: Cuban bolero singer Manolo del Valle at 84 and Dominican accordionist Vitico Hiraldo at 90.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caribbean-music-community-mourns-deaths-of-manolo-del-valle-and-vitico-hiraldo

### 2026-10-11: Vitico Hiraldo, merengue típico legend, dies at 90

Renowned Dominican musician Víctor Hiraldo Reyes, known as Vitico Hiraldo, has died at age 90, leaving a legacy as a key exponent of merengue típico.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vitico-hiraldo-merengue-tpico-legend-dies-at-90

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Cite as: Deaths of Caribbean musicians Vitico Hiraldo and Manolo del_. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-caribbean-musicians-vitico-hiraldo-and-manolo-del