SAN ANTONIO – Texans are mourning the death of local Tejano legend Nick Villarreal after he died from an infection Sunday night. Villarreal was 66.
Villarreal's wife of four years, Sally Sanchez, said she is appreciative of the support and condolences that have poured in for their family.
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Sanchez said her husband's music, though rooted in Texas history, spanned the globe -- mentioning performances in parts of Europe, Canada and several performances throughout the U.S.. Sanchez said Villarreal was inducted to the Tejano Hall of Fame in 2015.
Just last week, Villarreal performed at the Moose Lodge in Austin.
"He loved to perform," Sanchez said. "The music was his life. He was a talented songwriter, too. He was able to write a song in about 15 minutes and go and record it."
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Days after his performance, Villarreal contracted an infection. His wife took him to the emergency room when she saw he had chills and a fever. Sanchez said shortly after being admitted, Villarreal went into cardiac arrest and doctors declared him brain dead on Sunday.
Villarreal died at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, his wife said.
Villarreal is survived by his wife and four children: Nancy Villarreal, 45, Nicholas Villarreal, 40, Elizabeth Sanchez, 34 and Janis Silva, 32.
Our deepest condolences to the Zimmerle/Villarreal Families. Today the King Of Conjunto Music Nick Villarreal went home with God. We will miss him dearly! RIP Nick Villarreal
Posted by Los Thunderbirds on Sunday, July 30, 2017
Día triste para el Mundo del Conjunto. El Sr. Nick Villarreal ha muerto. Mis condolencias a su familia. Por favor...
Posted by Shendo DjDiablo Mty on Sunday, July 30, 2017
💔 Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for all your great music. A legend now rest. 🎤 #ElIgottago #nickysnick NICK'S GREATEST HITS: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeCisR46BDVo93h0aDUZiqPVgupiVG28X
Posted by Debra L Pebbles Rivas on Sunday, July 30, 2017
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