Heartbreaking Tragedy, Young DOOL Star Commits Suicide, Leaving Fans With Regret DOOL Spoilers
Soap operas are built on emotional twists and unforgettable storylines, but sometimes the heartbreak spills beyond the screen into reality. Today, we take a solemn look at one of the most devastating events to ever touch the Days of Our Lives family—a tragedy that left fans worldwide stunned, colleagues mourning, and the entertainment world shaken to its core. This spoiler isn’t about Salem’s fictional drama, but rather the real-life loss of a beloved actor whose talent brought light to so many lives.
On January 16, 2025, Days of Our Lives fans received news they never could have prepared for: Francisco San Martin, the gifted performer who embodied the role of Dario Hernandez, was gone. At only 39 years old, Francisco’s life was cut short in an unspeakably tragic way—his death ruled a suicide by ligature hanging, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. For an actor whose laughter once filled sets with warmth and whose screen presence brought intensity to every scene, this sudden loss struck as a cruel reminder of the silent battles even the brightest stars endure.
The Rise of a Star
Francisco San Martin’s story was one of resilience, ambition, and dreams that spanned across continents. Born on August 27, 1985, in the sun-drenched island of Mallorca, Spain, his early years were steeped in culture and artistry. When his family later relocated to the United States, Francisco grew up surrounded by Montana’s rugged landscapes. It was there that the seeds of acting were planted.
Even as a young boy, he captivated local audiences in children’s theater productions. He once admitted that performing gave him a way to escape and process his bicultural identity, combining Spanish roots with the grit of American life. Those early performances were just the beginning of a career destined to cross borders and captivate hearts.
As a teenager, Francisco returned with his family to Spain, settling in Madrid. There, he explored modeling, using his striking looks to appear in fashion campaigns and print ads. But modeling wasn’t his ultimate destination—it was only a stepping stone. The theater called to him, and soon he was immersed in acting classes and stage plays. In Madrid’s vibrant theater scene, Francisco honed his craft, mastering the emotional depth that would later define his soap opera career.
Yet Hollywood was always the dream. Determined to expand his career, he returned to the U.S. with little more than ambition and his portfolio. This leap of faith placed him right on the doorstep of one of daytime TV’s most iconic stages.
Francisco in Salem
Francisco joined Days of Our Lives in 2010, originating the role of Dario Hernandez, a character who quickly became a fan favorite. Though his tenure lasted just under two years, his impact was unforgettable.
At first, Dario seemed to be a shady thief—an unpredictable wildcard entering the tight-knit Hernandez family dynamics. But as viewers know, Salem is never what it seems. The writers revealed that Dario wasn’t just a criminal; he was a man investigating a cold-case murder connected to his family’s haunted past. This twist turned him from a questionable outsider into a layered hero struggling with loyalty, vengeance, and redemption.
Francisco’s portrayal electrified screens. Whether in heated confrontations with his on-screen sister Gabi (Camila Banus), or facing off against veterans like Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) and Peter Reckell (Bo Brady), he held his ground with raw intensity. His dark, expressive eyes communicated both turmoil and tenderness, giving Dario dimension and authenticity.
Fans praised Francisco’s ability to bring a fresh energy to the Hernandez legacy. His chemistry with cast members and his natural charisma added a new dynamic to DOOL. Even after his departure in 2011—and despite the character being recast years later—many still argue that Francisco’s original performance defined Dario in a way no one else could replicate.
Beyond Days of Our Lives
Francisco’s career stretched well beyond Salem. In 2013, he appeared in Behind the Candelabra, Steven Soderbergh’s acclaimed HBO biopic starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. Though a smaller role, it proved Francisco could step into prestige projects with ease.
In 2017, he joined Jane the Virgin as Fabian, a charming yet sensitive love interest for Gina Rodriguez’s Jane Villanueva. Fans adored his romantic, humorous, and heartfelt presence in the show’s whimsical world. That same year, he also took on a recurring role in The Bold and the Beautiful as Matteo, the estate manager entangled in Sheila Carter’s manipulative schemes. With suave danger and his captivating accent, Francisco turned Matteo into an unforgettable character in the Forrester family saga.
His final on-screen appearance came in 2022 in the short film Dot, directed by Tiffany Francis. The project dealt with themes of connection and loss—ironically mirroring the tragedy that would later follow in Francisco’s real life.
A Life Cut Short
On January 16, 2025, the world lost Francisco San Martin. The details of his passing—suicide at his Los Angeles home—were heartbreaking for fans and colleagues alike. He had so much more to give, both as an actor and as a person. His death raised urgent questions about the mental health challenges faced by performers, especially in the demanding world of Hollywood and daytime drama.
The shock was immediate. Social media erupted in grief. Fans flooded timelines with #RememberingDario and #RIPFrancisco, sharing clips of his DOOL episodes and personal stories of how his performances touched their lives.
Camila Banus, his on-screen sister, shared an emotional tribute: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you. Rest in peace, my friend. I wish I had told you more.” Her words reflected not only her heartbreak but the unspoken bond forged between actors who spend countless hours bringing fictional families to life.
Other co-stars, including Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez) and Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker), remembered his humor, warmth, and professionalism. Gering summed it up: “He was the heart of the Hernandez family, on and off-screen.”
Echoes of a Larger Struggle
Francisco’s passing didn’t happen in isolation. The soap opera community has suffered multiple similar tragedies in recent years. In 2023, Billy Miller—renowned for The Young and the Restless and General Hospital—died at 43 after a long battle with bipolar depression. Alec Musser (All My Children) took his own life in 2024 at 50. Each loss underscored the ongoing mental health crisis facing actors who give so much of themselves to their craft.
Hollywood’s glitz often hides a harsher truth: the rejection, the instability, the constant pressure to perform. As one industry insider noted, “Soap actors pour their souls into these roles day after day. But who pours back into them?” Francisco’s death renewed conversations about the need for stronger mental health support in the entertainment industry.
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
Though his time was cut tragically short, Francisco San Martin’s impact is undeniable. His portrayal of Dario Hernandez remains one of the most beloved versions of the character. His performances across television and film displayed his versatility, while his journey—from Spain to the U.S., from modeling to Hollywood—symbolized resilience and dedication.
Fans remember him not just as an actor but as an inspiration. He crossed oceans, navigated cultural transitions, and pursued his dreams despite the odds. His joy in connecting with audiences was clear in interviews: “To bring stories that touch hearts—that’s magic,” he once said.
For his family, friends, and fans, Francisco’s story is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seem to have it all. His death leaves behind a void that can never truly be filled, but his work and memory continue to live on.
A Call to Remember and Act
As we reflect on Francisco’s life and tragic passing, we must also recognize the importance of mental health awareness. If his story teaches us anything, it’s the need to check in on our loved ones, to destigmatize conversations around mental health, and to ensure no one feels they must face their struggles alone.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now accessible at 988, stands as a lifeline for those in crisis. Fans are encouraged to reach out, share memories, and honor Francisco’s legacy by ensuring that his loss sparks meaningful change.
Final Thoughts
Days of Our Lives is known for gripping storylines filled with heartbreak, redemption, and hope. Sadly, this real-life tragedy reminds us that sometimes the pain is not fictional. Francisco San Martin was more than an actor—he was a dreamer, a storyteller, and a soul whose light was extinguished too soon.
As fans, we carry the regret of what could have been, but we also carry the responsibility to remember him for what he gave us: performances full of passion, stories that moved us, and a legacy that will live on in Salem and beyond.
Rest in peace, Francisco. You will never be forgotten.