Belize is mourning the passing of one of its most beloved public figures, Eufemio “Brother Fem” Cruz, who died June 9, 2026, at the age of 62. The media personality and faith leader was hospitalized after a medical emergency at his home that preceded his death. Family and colleagues report Cruz likely suffered either a stroke or a heart attack, and was found unconscious on the floor of his home Sunday morning before being rushed to a hospital. He remained in a coma until his passing, and was transferred to Belize City for care on Monday, two days before his death.
Cruz built a decades-long career that connected him to households across the small Central American nation, blending broadcast journalism, musical talent and faith-based outreach to become one of the country’s most trusted public voices. For 16 years starting in 2010, he worked with Plus TV, and also contributed reporting to Belize’s popular Love FM. Most famously, he served as the host of the daily morning program *Rise and Shine*, where his warm demeanor and personal touches — from reading birthday and anniversary greetings from viewers to sharing messages of encouragement — turned him into a household name. Crowds of listeners from every corner of the country embraced his accessible, caring on-air presence.
What made Cruz stand out beyond his broadcast work was his dual identity as a musician and committed Christian minister. An accomplished guitarist, he performed both secular music and contemporary Christian music after his conversion, and even released his own full album of original work. Throughout his career, he used his platform, his voice and his music to lift up Belizeans and unify communities across the nation through his shared faith.
Louis Wade, owner of Plus TV, spoke on behalf of the media outlet’s team, remembering Cruz as not just a colleague but a dear friend and brother. Wade highlighted Cruz’s relentless dedication to his work, noting that even as Parkinson’s disease progressed in his body in his final years, he never missed an opportunity to show up for his audience and coworkers. Wade called out Cruz’s natural ability to connect with people, saying love was his greatest tool for building connection across the country.
Cruz’s death marks the fourth passing of a sitting Belizean media professional in 2026, a milestone that adds an extra layer of loss to the Belizean media community. As the nation pauses to reflect on his life and legacy, those closest to him remember a man defined by unwavering purpose, infectious passion, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. His combination of media work, ministry, and musical talent leaves a gap that will be deeply felt by audiences and colleagues across Belize for years to come.