The mysterious death in Ibiza of the DJ Francesco Forzieri on the night of his birthday.

Italian national Francesco Forzieri, 33, was found dead in the water near the port of Ibiza on the day of his birthday, July 20. The body of the man, originally from Lucera in Foggia but currently residing in San Benedetto del Tronto, Ascoli Piceno, was discovered around 4:30 a.m. near a wharf in the area of Marina Botafoc, close to the restaurant “I Rigatoni,” where he worked as a waiter during the summer season. Known among family and friends as “Checco,” Forzieri had a passion for music, particularly hip-hop, and had traveled across Europe before settling in Italy. He had recently begun working in Ibiza after some previous experiences abroad, including time spent in cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Madrid. Forzieri’s brother, Antonio, 38, has arrived on the Spanish island to meet representatives of the consulate general in Barcelona, which oversees cases involving Italian citizens in Ibiza. Local authorities are conducting investigations into the cause of death, with an autopsy scheduled on the body. The results remain pending. According to Antonio, the family received news of Forzieri’s disappearance through a friend who attempted to reach him via video call on his birthday. However, the call was answered by police officers, indicating that Forzieri had already been missing for some time. The family, along with the hip-hop group from Rodi Garganico, of which Forzieri was a member under the stage name “Jdf,” have launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover the costs associated with repatriating the body and organizing the funeral. The appeal notes that the expenses related to bringing the body back home and handling the necessary procedures are substantial. Every contribution, even small ones, is described as a gesture of solidarity and support during this difficult time. The campaign, titled “Laivz i man,” which translates to “Raise your hands,” references a song released by the group on YouTube in 2024. The track explores themes of a futile war among the poor, a situation the group describes as having emerged in recent times. The group shared a photo on social media featuring the three members, with Forzieri seated in the center wearing wings, flanked by his two colleagues and friends. In their message, they expressed how Forzieri taught them that music is more than just rhymes and beats, it is friendship, loyalty, and heart. They added that his memory will live on in every song they create and each time they mention the name of their group. Meanwhile, the family continues to await further developments regarding the circumstances surrounding Forzieri’s death. His cousin, Yuliia Protsyshyn, has posted on social media expressing her grief, stating that the loss has left a deep void in everyone’s lives. She wrote, “We were waiting for you to answer, standing away from home and from us all. We’re still waiting and can’t believe you’ve left us. You’ve left a profound emptiness in all of us.” She emphasized that the truth behind what happened that night remains unclear, and the family is determined to uncover it. Authorities in Spain are still investigating the cause of death, and while initial speculation points toward drowning, the official findings are yet to be made public. The family hopes that the ongoing investigation will provide clarity and closure. In the meantime, the community of friends and fellow musicians mourns the loss of a talented artist whose work and presence will continue to inspire.