Bob Morales, the older brother of rock 'n' roll pioneer Ritchie Valens, has died.
Morales was portrayed by actor Esai Morales in the 1987 film “La Bamba,” which followed the life and career of Valens, who died a plane crash in 1959.
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Last week, Esai Morales posted on his Facebook page that Bob was “clinging to life.”
He posted a photo of Bob Morales on Monday with a caption that read, “Farewell, my big brother. You gave me so much to work with and be grateful for.”
Farewell, my big brother. You gave me so much to work with and be grateful for... 😪🙏🏼
Posted by Esai Morales on Sunday, September 16, 2018
The news of Morales’ death was also confirmed by his family on Facebook, with a post that read, in part:
“Tonight our hero made his final journey to heaven where he was reunited with his brother Ritchie, his Mom and my Brother Brandon.”
It was not immediately clear what caused Morales' death.