The tragic death of Francisco “Paco” Sánchez, known to thousands of fans as “El Medio Metro Original de Puebla,” has shaken the Mexican cumbia and sonidero communities. The beloved dancer, who brought joy to audiences through his energetic performances and distinctive stage persona, was found dead on October 20 in Puebla under deeply troubling circumstances. His body, bearing a gunshot wound, was discovered in a ravine, prompting a full-scale homicide investigation by state authorities. As the details of his final moments continue to emerge, questions surrounding his death have cast a dark shadow over what had been a vibrant career rooted in local pride and cultural celebration.
A Beloved Figure in Puebla’s Cumbia and Sonidero Scene
Francisco Sánchez, affectionately called “Paco” by friends and fans, was a cultural icon in Puebla’s bustling sonidero movement—a subculture blending live sound systems, social dance, and community expression. Known by his stage name “El Medio Metro Original de Puebla,” Sánchez earned recognition for his spirited dance routines, playful charisma, and commitment to preserving the joyous traditions of cumbia. His nickname, “Medio Metro,” referred to his short stature—a term he embraced with humor and pride, turning what might have been a limitation into a defining feature of his performance identity.
Sánchez rose to prominence through collaborations with local groups such as Sonido Pirata, a well-known act in the cumbia circuit. Together, they captivated audiences across Mexico with lively dance battles and synchronized routines that combined classic cumbia steps with modern flair. His trademark moves—often performed in white outfits and expressive hats—became a familiar sight at festivals, weddings, and neighborhood events.
Fans across Puebla recall Sánchez not only as a performer but as a figure of unity. He frequently appeared in public events across the El Alto neighborhood, one of Puebla’s most culturally rich yet economically challenged districts. Known for his humility and openness, Paco often danced alongside children and elders alike, embodying the spirit of community engagement that defines Mexico’s sonidero scene.
Con signos de violencia y una lesión en la cabeza, fue encontrado sin vida el bailarín sonidero Francisco Pérez, popularmente conocido como el “Medio Metro de Puebla”. La Fiscalía del estado abrió una carpeta de investigación, aún no se han dado a conocer las causas de la muerte: pic.twitter.com/ePOKK4bn7v
— Nacho Lozano (@nacholozano) October 21, 2025
His performances were marked by contagious enthusiasm—an unfiltered joy that transcended social divides. He danced for celebration, but also as a means of connection. Those who knew him personally describe a man who viewed music as more than entertainment; it was a way to express identity, to heal, and to bring people together in a region often marked by hardship. For many, “El Medio Metro Original de Puebla” represented more than a stage name—he symbolized the enduring vitality of local culture.
Discovery of His Body and the Start of a Homicide Investigation
On the morning of October 20, residents of the San Sebastián de Aparicio auxiliary district in Puebla made a grim discovery. A body was found at the bottom of a ravine along 11 de Marzo Street, an area known for its isolation and rough terrain. Authorities quickly identified the victim as Francisco Sánchez, thanks to his distinctive chest tattoo and the white pants and shirt he had last been seen wearing.
The Puebla State Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía General del Estado, FGE) confirmed that Sánchez’s body bore a gunshot wound to the head. Initial findings suggested signs of violence, and investigators determined that the condition of the body indicated partial consumption by local wildlife—likely due to the time elapsed before discovery. Paramedics at the scene confirmed that Sánchez had already died by the time responders arrived.
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Given the violent nature of the injuries, authorities immediately classified the case as a probable homicide. The area around the ravine was cordoned off as forensic teams collected evidence and examined the scene for ballistic traces or other indicators that could shed light on what transpired. While the FGE has yet to release a formal statement detailing the chain of events leading to Sánchez’s death, the early stages of the investigation suggest foul play cannot be ruled out.
The discovery of the body stunned the local community. Word spread rapidly through Puebla’s sonidero circles, where Sánchez had remained an active participant up until his disappearance. Fans and fellow performers flooded social media with tributes, expressing disbelief that a man who had brought so much happiness could meet such a violent end. Many demanded justice and called on authorities to expedite the investigation, using hashtags such as #JusticiaParaMedioMetro and #PacoSánchezVive to honor his memory and pressure officials for answers.
Sánchez’s body was transported to a forensic facility for autopsy, with results expected to confirm the precise cause and timing of death. Unofficial accounts from investigators suggest that he may have died several days before being found, though this has yet to be publicly verified. The FGE has refrained from releasing potential leads, emphasizing that the case remains under active investigation.
Unanswered Questions and the Legacy of El Medio Metro
Despite growing public interest, little is known about the events leading up to Francisco Sánchez’s death. In the days preceding the tragedy, he had reportedly been seen performing and hosting events around Puebla’s El Alto neighborhood and nearby districts. Eyewitnesses described him as cheerful and engaged, with no outward signs of distress or threats. He remained active on social media and in community gatherings, appearing to live his life as usual.
This lack of warning signs has fueled speculation among fans and local media about possible motives behind his death. Some have suggested robbery or personal disputes as potential factors, while others suspect his rising visibility in the entertainment scene may have attracted unwanted attention. However, no evidence currently supports any specific theory. Authorities have stated that all possible lines of inquiry are being explored, including personal, professional, and criminal connections.
The uncertainty surrounding the case has left Puebla’s artistic community reeling. For many, Sánchez’s death underscores the growing vulnerability of local performers who often navigate late-night events, modest pay, and limited security while traveling between shows. It also highlights broader concerns about violence in parts of Puebla, where rising crime rates have affected even those outside traditional high-risk professions.
Yet amid the shock and grief, the public response has demonstrated the profound mark Paco Sánchez left on those who knew him. In the days following his death, vigils were held in El Alto and other neighborhoods where he had performed. Crowds gathered with candles, music, and photos, transforming public spaces into open-air tributes. Cumbia tracks played through speakers as friends and fans danced—not in celebration, but as an act of remembrance.
For the community that embraced him, Paco was not merely an entertainer. He was a symbol of perseverance and pride—a local artist who rose from humble beginnings to become a cherished cultural ambassador. His story resonated because it reflected the essence of Puebla’s identity: creative, resilient, and grounded in community spirit.
Those close to Sánchez recall that he was deeply proud of his roots. Even after achieving regional fame, he continued to perform at small neighborhood gatherings and charity events without charge, seeing his presence as a way to give back. In interviews, he often emphasized that dance was not about fame but about connection—about lifting others’ spirits, just as music had lifted his own.
As the investigation continues, fans have expressed frustration at the lack of updates from authorities. Nearly every posthumous tribute on social media includes calls for transparency, demanding that the case not be allowed to fade into obscurity. The sentiment is clear: Paco Sánchez deserves justice, and the truth behind his death must be uncovered.
Local media have also drawn attention to the eerie similarity between his death and other unsolved cases involving performers and entertainers in Mexico’s regional music scene. Analysts suggest that such incidents reveal a troubling pattern of violence intersecting with cultural life, often leaving families and communities without closure.
In this context, the story of “El Medio Metro Original de Puebla” takes on a deeper meaning. It is not just about the loss of one man, but about the fragility of artistic expression in environments marked by insecurity. It calls attention to the need for greater protection and respect for local artists who play vital roles in preserving Mexico’s cultural fabric.
Today, the legacy of Francisco “Paco” Sánchez lives on through the countless videos, social media clips, and memories he left behind. Fans continue to share footage of his performances—dancing energetically to the beat of cumbia, smiling under stage lights, his movements synchronized with the rhythm of a community that adored him. These images serve as both celebration and lament, capturing the vibrancy of a life cut short too soon.
In death, as in life, Paco remains a unifying figure. His story has drawn together fans, fellow performers, and even strangers, bound by a shared desire to honor his memory and demand justice. Whether justice comes through formal investigation or through the enduring remembrance of his art, Francisco Sánchez’s influence endures—a reminder that even in tragedy, the power of music and movement can keep a spirit alive.
For now, the mystery surrounding his death persists. The Puebla State Attorney General’s Office continues its investigation, with no suspects or motives publicly confirmed. But among the streets where his music once echoed, the name “Medio Metro” still inspires affection and respect. As murals, tributes, and dance performances in his honor spread across Puebla, one message resounds above all others: Paco Sánchez may be gone, but his rhythm remains.