In the early morning of December 25, 2024, Colombia lost one of its greatest references in journalism and history. Enrique Santos Molano, writer, journalist, and researcher.
News Colombia.
There is mourning in the country’s cultural sector after the news of the death of Enrique Santos Molano, renowned journalist, writer and researcher of Colombian culture.
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In the early morning of December 25, 2024, Colombia lost one of its greatest references in journalism and history. Enrique Santos Molano, writer, journalist, researcher and linguist, died at the age of 82 at the Palermo Clinic in Bogotá, where he was receiving medical care.
The news was confirmed through his account on X (formerly Twitter) by the Minister of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge of Colombia, Juan David Correa, who deeply regretted his departure.
The cause of death is unknown at this time.
Condolences
Through the same social network, the Superintendent of Industry and Commerce, Cielo Rusinque, highlighted the legacy of Santos Molano. “A very sad day for Colombia,” said Rusinque, and recalled that, until the last moment of his life, Santos Molano continued to write and contribute generously with his reflections and wisdom. “With the lucidity that always characterized him, but above all with the dignity of the greats, he was consistent with his ideas until the last day of his life,”
he added.Enrique Santos Molano was a key figure in the cultural and journalistic panorama of Colombia. His work as editor and night editor-in-chief of the newspaper The Time between 1963 and 1972 and as a columnist since 1965, he consolidated it as a fundamental pillar in the country’s journalism.
Furthermore, his work as a historian and linguist left a profound mark on the research and critical analysis of Colombian history.
President Gustavo Petro also expressed his regret, describing Santos Molano as “a historian and great companion in this last decade of struggles.”
In recognition of his career, in December 2023, Santos Molano received the Order of Merit for Democracy, “Commander” rank, and the José Acevedo y Gómez Civil Order of Merit at the Grand Cross rank.
This is a moment of deep sadness for Colombia, which says goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to journalism, history and critical reflection, leaving an indelible legacy for future generations.
Who was the writer Enrique Santos?
Santos Molano gained recognition for his works and his deep reflection on the reality of the country. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit for Democracy, in the degree of “Comendador”, and with the José Acevedo y Gómez Civil Order of Merit, in the degree of Grand Cross.
The writer was 82 years old, he was the uncle of the former president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos and son of Enrique Santos Montejo, ‘Caliban’.
His novel Fantastic Memories, which sold 20,000 copies between 1965 and 1970, and the publication in 1992 of The Poet’s Heart, an investigation into the life of José Asunción Silva, are some of the milestones of his extensive career in literature.
Enrique Santos Molano, whom many of us read and followed for decades for his historical, linguistic and journalistic research on Colombian culture, has died. To his loved ones and readers, a hug of condolences. @mincultura pic.twitter.com/bvpmH3Ju1d
— Juan David Correa (@jdcorreau) December 25, 2024
This morning the great intellectual and humanist Enrique Santos Molano died at the Palermo Clinic, a very sad day for Colombia, until the last moment he was writing his history books, generously contributing his reflections and wisdom, with the lucidity that always… pic.twitter.com/nhKhTk3d6O
— Cielo Rusinque Urrego🇨🇴🇫🇷 (@cielo_rusinque) December 25, 2024
My great teacher, Enrique Santos Molano, died this morning in Bogotá.
For me it is a very sad Christmas.
Enrique was my great inspiration, and my great friend.
My very special memories for Esperanza and Simón.
Master, you are going to miss me very much. pic.twitter.com/noQUbJheEC
— Adelina Covo (@adelina_covo) December 25, 2024
