Country singer who died after a heart attack discovered his son four years ago and told the boy: 'Best hug'

The country singer who died after suffering a heart attack in Goiânia, Leonardo Cesar Santos, aged 45, discovered that he had a son 4 years ago, according to the artist's father and former councilor of Goianésia, Abadio Anicio, to g1. In a publication made in December 2022, Léo Cesar, as he was known, declared himself to his son in the caption of a photo hugging the young man. "That hug was the best I've ever received. Thank you for existing, my son," he wrote.

César died on Wednesday (4). According to Abadio, the 19-year-old is the singer's only son and currently lives with his grandparents, in Goianésia. Also on social media, the boy republished the same image in which he appears hugging his father and repeated the words written by him in the previous statement, but in a tone of farewell due to mourning.

"This was, without a doubt, the best hug I've ever received and the best I could receive. You were the light on my path when I was going deeper into the darkness. And, in the face of that, you taught me to be a man. Today I say goodbye to you with great pride in being able to call you father", wrote the young man.

In a statement, the City of Goianésia lamented the death of the artist, son of the former councilor. The wake was held in the Plenary of the City Council this Thursday (5).

'You managed to call Samu'

Still according to Abadio, Léo fell ill while he was alone at home. He highlighted that his son managed to call Samu and a friend before losing consciousness.

"He was single, lived alone, but he managed to call Samu and called a friend before he lost consciousness", reported the father.

The father said that the friend called to help Leonardo was Laércio, from the country duo Laércio and Cristiano. Abadio stated that the friend had to break down the door of the house to get to his friend. "Samu also arrived and they went in and tried to revive him. It took around 30 to 40 minutes until he started breathing again and his heart beat again," he said.

According to the former councilor, doctors found that the singer had some blocked arteries, which caused a heart attack. Léo was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Goiânia, but he did not survive.

Trajectory

His father said that, in addition to being a singer, Léo was also a music producer and instrumentalist. Born in Goianésia, he moved to Goiânia more than 20 years ago, after winning a festival in his hometown, to fulfill his dream of making a living from music.

"During his career in Goiânia, he was a vocalist in some bands. Then he took a chance on a country career, recording with the duo called Léo & Leomar. Then he recorded solo", he said.

Abadio described his son as a person with a big heart, who liked to help those around him. Leonardo maintained a rehearsal studio in Setor Pedro Ludovico. Currently, he was part of the Sandro and Ronaldo band and planned to work as a producer for other artists.

The singer's father stated that Léo was affectionate and loved among his acquaintances. "He was an exemplary son, affectionate, very charitable towards people and everyone who lived with him spoke nothing but good things about him", added his father.

The duo Sandro and Ronaldo mourned the loss of the musician, whom they called their road brother. "You are greatly missed and memories that time will never erase. You will always be part of our family and our history. The music continues, but your absence will be felt on every road, on every stage and in every song."

Music producer Rogério Bicalho also published a tribute to Leo César and highlighted the artist's talent and versatility. To g1, bassist and music producer Luis Santos said goodbye to his friend. Former musical director of the band Swing Brasil, he recalled the beginning of their relationship and highlighted the artist's talent and generosity. The professional partnership began when he invited Leo to join the musical group.

"He accepted, and it was there that we began to build a sincere, true and very beautiful friendship. Léo was an example of a human being: humble, helpful, loving, generous and owner of a huge heart. An extraordinary musician, an excellent guitarist and guitarist, as well as singing very well", he stated.