EliteAlum Julián Ortega Dies at 41 After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Mar. 15, 2025

Julian Ortega.Photo:Alberto Simon/DYDPPA/Shutterstock

Alberto Simon/DYDPPA/Shutterstock

Eliteactor Julián Ortega has died at age 41.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, the actor collapsed and went into cardiac arrest at Playa de Zahora beach in Cádiz, Spain, according to the Spain outletThe Olive Press.

The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time while Ortega was on shore, despite initial reports stating that he had drowned, per the outlet.

Julian Ortega.Julian Ortega/Instagram

Julian Ortega/Instagram

Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics tried to revive him for 30 minutes.

PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for Ortega for comment.

The actor starred in six episodes of the first season of the Netflix teen dramaElite. His other credits includeCable Girls,Caronte,VelvetandThe Countryside. He most recently starred in the Spanish soap opera4 Estrellas.

According to his obituary, Ortega studied at the drama school Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático in Madrid.

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In the aftermath of his death, several people have taken to social media to share their condolences.

Stage and screen actress Sílvia Marsópaid tributeto Ortega on Instagram. “I can’t even imagine how these parents, colleagues, so beloved in the profession, are feeling. How horrible,” she wrote while sharing a selfie of the two.

“Julian, I will always remember you. An empathetic, kind, generous, intelligent, talented being,“sharedactress Helena Lanza. “How I enjoyed watching him on stage and how I loved sharing plans with him. How many talks together and how many laughs we’ve had.”

Meanwhile, actress Raquel Guerrerowroteof Ortega, “A pleasure to have been able to share a bit of this life and be able to enjoy your education, your humility and your work.”

source: people.com