Did Yovngchimi pass away? Puerto Rican Rapper Alive Amid Viral Prison Riot Claims

Speculation about the death of Puerto Rican rapper Yovngchimi surged on social media on December 28, 2025, following claims that the 29-year-old artist had died in a prison riot. Yovngchimi, who is currently incarcerated without bail in Puerto Rico on charges of firearms violations and conspiracy to traffic weapons, did not pass away.

Some of the viral posts included the phrase “Día de los Santos Inocentes” in their captions, revealing the hoax. The term, which translates to Holy Innocents’ Day, is celebrated in Spain and Latin American countries on December 28 and is similar to April Fool’s Day. On this day, pranksters commonly call out “Inocente, inocente!” after playing a joke. Puerto Rico marks the occasion with events such as the Hatillo Mask Festival, parades, and traditional celebrations, according to cultural sources.

Yovngchimi, whose real name is Ángel Javier Avilés-Monzón, continues to produce music from prison. Known for the Latin urban genre, he released his debut album WLGS (Whole Lotta Gang Shit) in December 2023, collaborating with artists like Ozuna, Tay Keith, and French Montana, according to Roc Nation.

In December 2024, Yovngchimi was arrested by the FBI at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and subsequently indicted on firearms violations by a federal grand jury, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico. He has also been accused of conspiracy related to weapons trafficking and remains denied bail.

Despite his incarceration, Yovngchimi is actively working on his next album, SVPERSTAR DEMON. Speaking to Rolling Stone, he shared, “I always trust my team, with my life. When it comes to music, my producers Hydro, Nyxto, Yecko, they all know my essence, my color, my flow. They can mix my songs without me being there, which has already happened before because sometimes you’d be away for other reasons.”

He further added, “I haven’t recorded anything from here inside because, to be honest, I don’t like how this phone records, how it sounds. The other day I tried. I recorded a song with Hydro just so he could listen and test what it sounds like with a beat, but nah, I don’t wanna do anything over the phone.”

Yovngchimi continues to write and record reference tracks from prison, maintaining his music career while serving his sentence. The viral rumors of his death have been widely debunked, confirming that the rapper remains alive and active in his craft.