Soap star dies aged 39 as co-star pays heartbreaking tribute and cause of death confirmed

Days of Our Lives actor Francisco San Martin has tragically passed away at the age of 39. Francisco, who was born in Spain before moving to the US, was best known for his roles as Dario Hernandez in the US soap opera from 2010 to 2011 and Fabian Regalo del Cielo in Jane the Virgin.

He was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on January 16, with the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirming that his cause of death was suicide. His Days of Our Lives co-star Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, paid a heartfelt tribute to Francisco on Instagram, saying: "Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more."

Other tributes have been paid to Francisco, with journalist Michael Fairman writing: "Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day." Another tribute read: "So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten." One more person wrote: "RIP Francisco San Martin Sad news."

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Francisco also appeared in the 2013 film Behind the Candelabra and the daytime soap The Bold and the Beautiful.

His death comes just two months after the passing of another Days of Our Lives star, Wayne Northrop, who played Detective Roman Brady. Wayne, 77, died on November 29 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, surrounded by his family.

His wife, General Hospital actress Lynn Herring Northrop, 66, said in a statement: "Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family. We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, The Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him. Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humour and wit. A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many."

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