On January 16, 2025, Francisco San Martin was found dead in his Los Angeles home. He was 39 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide by ligature hanging.

Born in Mallorca, Spain, San Martin spent part of his youth in Montana, and later returned to Spain during adolescence, where he worked as a model and appeared in stage and television productions. He later moved to Hollywood to pursue acting.

San Martin was perhaps best known in the US for his role as Dario Hernandez on Days of Our Lives — a role he originated in 2011. He also appeared in a 2017 arc on The Bold and the Beautiful (and had roles on Jane the Virgin as well), showing his range beyond just daytime soaps.

Those who worked with him or followed his career remember him fondly — for his talent, his charisma, and how he brought nuance to his characters. Co‑stars and fans have expressed grief and sympathy, praising his warmth, vulnerability, and presence on screen.

San Martin’s passing — at a young age — has reopened broader conversations about mental health and the hidden pressures faced by public figures, even those whose lives can appear glamorous from the outside. What is visible on screen or in public often masks private pain, struggles, and loneliness.

In remembering Francisco San Martin, we honor not only his contributions to television and storytelling, but also the complexity of real lives behind familiar faces. May his work and memory encourage kindness, empathy, and awareness for those who may be suffering quietly — reminding us all that compassion remains essential.