Young champeta DJ dies in horrific motorcycle crash near Turbaco, companion critically injured

Neider Periñán Padilla, a young champeta DJ, died in a motorcycle crash on the Turbaco hill near Cartagena, while the woman riding with him was seriously injured.

The crash occurred on Sunday, Sept. 5, as the motorcycle traveled from Turbaco toward Cartagena. Highway police are considering the possibility that the rider lost control. The motorcycle left the roadway and struck a metal safety barrier, according to an account provided by the police to El Universal.

The passenger was identified as Isbely Mendoza Florián and remains under medical care. A highway police report described the incident as a collision with a fixed object involving a black motorcycle, registration HWB 86I, which Periñán was riding.

Authorities are also examining whether a lack of driving experience or skill contributed to the crash. Another possible factor was insufficient caution in the weather conditions, as rain had left the road surface wet.

Periñán was reportedly a police auxiliary who dreamed of becoming a recognized musical artist. He performed as DJ Neider Padilla and played at social events, particularly in Cartagena’s Bicentenario neighborhood. The crash comes amid a high share of motorcycle-related incidents in the city. Through Aug. 19, Cartagena recorded 1,134 traffic crashes, 985 involving motorcycles. Of the 95 people killed, 86 were linked to motorcycle crashes, including 54 motorcycle riders.

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A road crash, classified as a collision with a fixed object, left one person dead and another injured.