They Reveal the Cause of Mario Vargas Llosa's Death: 'That's Very Sad'

The lawyer Enrique Ghersi has revealed on television the cause of Mario Vargas Llosa's death. The Peruvian writer passed away on April 13 due to pneumonia, according to his friend. The information adds to the statement released by the family, which announced the Nobel laureate's loss from Lima.

Ghersi shared the news during an interview with Peruvian media. "That's very sad," he stated with emotion, remembering Vargas Llosa. They had kept a friendship for decades, forged during the author's presidential candidacy in the nineties.

The lawyer recounted that he had been with Vargas Llosa recently. They shared an intimate celebration for his 89th birthday, last March 28. "He was already old, but he had a great time, made jokes, we sang to him, and he ate cake," he stated.

The party was organized in Lima, and friends and family of the writer attended. Some even traveled from abroad to be present on that special date. "Everyone was present, and it was very emotional," added Ghersi, moved by the closeness of the memory.

What no one imagined then was that this birthday would be his farewell. "Two weeks later, we have the sad news of his passing," lamented the lawyer. The words reveal the contrast between the joy of that day and the unexpected outcome.

The Health Problem of Vargas Llosa

Pneumonia, according to Ghersi, was the definitive cause of death. Although the family did not offer medical details, the closest circle has confirmed this version. Vargas Llosa had complications in the last days but remained surrounded by his loved ones until the end.

The official statement arrived a few hours after his death, signed by his children in Lima. "With deep sorrow, we release that our father has passed away today in Lima, surrounded by his family and in peace," the note said. It was also informed that there would be no public ceremonies, respecting his personal wish.

The message highlighted that Mario Vargas Llosa had a "long, multifaceted, and fruitful life." His children requested privacy and space to say goodbye in the family, without tributes or mass events. His body will be cremated, as he had requested in life.

The death of Mario Vargas Llosa has provoked a wave of reactions worldwide. Readers, politicians, writers, and admirers have expressed their sorrow on social media and communication media. All agree in pointing out that one of the greats of Spanish literature is gone.

Vargas Llosa was an essential figure of the so-called "Latin American Boom." His work spanned novels, essays, journalism, and political criticism, establishing him as an intellectual of global reach. In 2010, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature, the highest recognition of his legacy.

Beyond his books, he also had a turbulent public life. He was a candidate for the presidency of Peru in 1990, in a campaign that marked his bond with Ghersi. In recent years, his sentimental life also made headlines, especially for his relationship with Isabel Preysler.

After his breakup with Preysler in 2022, Vargas Llosa returned to Patricia Llosa's side. With her, he shared the last years in Lima, where he decided to settle permanently. There he lived peacefully, accompanied by his children and grandchildren.

The Last Stage of Mario Vargas Llosa

The last public image of Vargas Llosa was precisely on his birthday, just two weeks ago. In the photos, he was seen smiling, receiving his guests in good spirits. No one suspected then that this would be his closest farewell.

Enrique Ghersi's testimony allows for a better understanding of Mario Vargas Llosa's last days. His account adds humanity to a figure that was always approachable, even from his intellectual greatness. It confirms that, until the end, Vargas Llosa was surrounded by affection, laughter, and warmth.

Now, with his departure, an immense body of work remains as a legacy. Books like Conversation in the Cathedral, The War of the End of the World, or The Feast of the Goat will continue to speak for him. Literature loses one of its greats, but his words will remain alive.

All of Peru bids farewell to one of its most illustrious sons. The Spanish-speaking world is grateful for the privilege of having read, listened to, and known him. His death saddens, but his memory will be eternal on every written page.