Héctor Gómez reveals Carlos Batista died of a heart attack and recounts how difficult it was to host the show after his death

Santo Domingo.- Sports journalist Héctor Gómez shared how difficult it was for him to take over the hosting of the program “Con los Famosos”, after the death of Carlos Batista Matos, who for years was its main figure. Gómez explained that, like a large part of the country, he experienced a “collective grief” at the loss of a personality who, according to him, enjoyed widespread affection. In his words, he compared Batista to figures like Jochy Santos, Domingo Bautista and Cuquín Victoria, highlighting that they all share a rare trait: “they have no rejection rate”, being widely valued by the public. Gómez also gratefully recalled how his professional relationship with Batista began, noting that it was a call from Fausto Parra that marked the beginning of a key stage in his career. "Without a doubt, Carlos was a father, a teacher," he expressed, highlighting the advice he received over the years. Among them, he emphasized Batista's insistence that he perfect the English language to project himself internationally. "He always told me to capitalize on my command of English, to publish my tweets in that language... thanks to that I was able to position myself within the North American press," he stated, highlighting how that advice was decisive for his professional growth. The journalist also valued the opportunities he received within the program and in initiatives such as the Boulevard of the Stars, where he had the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the recognitions of high-level figures such as Albert Pujols, Sammy Sosa, and David Ortiz. In that sense, he defined Batista as a man of "impeccable trajectory," with a vast cultural heritage and a genuine vocation to open doors for others. "I am a product of that opportunity," he affirmed, reiterating the impact it had on both his professional and personal life.

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Regarding the moment he had to go on air after the news of the death allegedly due to a heart attack was known, Gómez confessed that it was one of the most difficult experiences of his life. He recounted that Ángel Laureano, director of Color Visión, called him to ask if he had the strength to address the public. "I told him I was going to try," he recalled. However, upon arriving at the studio and seeing Batista's empty chair, he was overwhelmed by a mixture of feelings: "nostalgia, sorrow, pain... I didn't know what to say." Despite this, he managed to overcome it and speak on air, although as he described it, "with a lump in his throat." In the midst of that difficult moment, he evoked Batista's constant advice, not only professionally, but also personally. He especially remembered how he insisted on finding a balance between his vocation to help others and his growth as a public figure. "That social aspect of yours is very important, but you have to learn to strike a balance," he would say. Gómez concluded by highlighting that this sense of solidarity comes from his family upbringing, becoming part of the legacy that continues today, deeply influenced by the guidance of his mentor.