One of Mexico's best-known protest singers, Oscar Chvez, has died at age 85, apparently after being infected with the coronavirus.
Mexico's culture secretary confirmed the singer's death, but the Social Security Institute would not comment on local media reports saying he died Thursday of complications from COVID-19.
A note on Chavez's personal twitter account, signed by his staff, said he had been hospitalized Wednesday with symptoms of the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Chvez was best known for folk-style songs lampooning Mexico's corrupt political elite. One such song was La Casita (The Little House"), which described an imaginary politician's mansion.
Culture Secretary Alejandra Frausto wrote in her Twitter account: Thank you, Oscar Chvez, your life was journey worthy of you! My deepest sympathy to your relatives, friends and companions in struggle and song.
Interior Secretary Olga Snchez wrote: I have learned to my deep regret that a voice of the struggle has been silenced. My deepest sympathy to the family of Oscar Chvez.
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Chvez sang ballads since the 1960s and played in public as recently as 2019.
Mexico has reported 19,224 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,859 deaths.