Los Angeles — Francisco San Martin, the Spanish-born performer who brought charm and intensity to popular U.S. daytime dramas, has been found dead in his Los Angeles apartment. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that San Martin died on January 16; the official cause of death was suicide by hanging. He was 39.

A Transatlantic Journey to Daytime Fame
Early Life: Born in Mérida, Spain, San Martin moved with his family to rural Montana as a child. Friends say the drastic culture shift sparked his passion for storytelling and performance.Acting Roots: He took to the stage in local school productions before studying theater in college, eventually relocating to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.

Soap-Opera Breakthrough:
Days of Our Lives audiences met him as Dario Hernández, a role that showcased his ability to balance vulnerability and edge.