Salsa legend Cheo Feliciano died in a car accident in his native Puerto Rico early Thursday morning. He was 78-years-old.
Feliciano was driving alone in his Jaguar in the city of Cupey when he hit a post, reports Billboard.
Officials told El Nuevodia that he possibly lost control of the vehicle when he swerved. He crossed into another lane, then hit a power line pole. Feliciano did not wear a seatbelt and his head hit the windshield. Police said that the singer died at the scene.
According to the Associated Press, Feliciano was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1936. He knew at a young age that he wanted to be a musician and moved to New York City, where he performed with Tito Rodriguez in 1955. During his career, he also performed with the Joe Cuba Sextet and the Fania All Stars while building his own successful solo career.
However, he did deal with drug abuse during his time in New York. Just last year, he was diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer.
He is survived by his wife and four sons.