In the days leading up to Francisco San Martin’s death, something felt off.
Friends noted that he had grown unusually quiet, skipping routines he once followed religiously and avoiding messages. A neighbor reported lights flickering on at odd hours, yet no one ever answered the door.
While authorities have ruled out foul play, his sudden silence left many wondering whether deeper struggles had been hidden behind the public persona.
Francisco San Martin, known for his work on popular daytime dramas such as NBC’s Days of Our Lives and CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful, passed away at age 39.
He was discovered in his Los Angeles home on Thursday, Jan. 16. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has classified his death as suicide by hanging.
Born in Mallorca, Spain in 1985, Francisco spent much of his childhood in Montana, according to Forbes. His passion for performance emerged early, beginning in children’s theater in the United States. Returning to Spain in his teens, he transitioned into modeling and formal acting training, eventually securing roles in Spanish theater, television, and cinema.
San Martin gained broader recognition on American daytime television. He first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 2010 and later played Dario Hernandez across more than 50 episodes in 2011. The character returned in 2016, though portrayed by another actor.
He continued to work steadily, appearing in the TV film Behind the Candelabra (2013), and returned to daytime television in 2017 on The Bold and the Beautiful, portraying Mateo, a charming estate employee entwined in the Forrester family drama.
He also had a recurring role on Jane the Virgin as telenovela actor Fabian Regalo del Cielo during Seasons 3 and 4, and appeared in short films including A Love Story (2016), Hotter Up Close (2022), and Dot (2022).
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. Days of Our Lives co-star Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi Hernandez, shared on social media: “Pepe, I don’t even know what to say except that I love you.
Rest peacefully, my friend. You were the only one who saw Pau sing happy birthday to me during a concert in Hollywood—you couldn’t believe it. Love you so, so much. I wish I had told you that more often.”
Television journalist Michael Fairman expressed his grief on X: “This is incredibly sad. I’m honestly shocked — I saw Francisco nearly every day at my gym.”
If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The former hotline, 1-800-273-8255, remains active.
💛 Conclusion
Francisco San Martin’s passing leaves a profound void in the entertainment community and among fans who admired his talent and charisma.
From youth theater to international television, his dedication and heart touched colleagues and audiences alike. While his loss is deeply felt, the kindness, passion, and joy he brought to the screen ensure that his legacy will endure.