The coroner’s office confirmed that his body has been released to the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Funeral Home, where a viewing will be held on September 28. He is expected to be laid to rest at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery on September 29.
Echevarria, 61, appeared on The Real Housewives of Miami alongside his then-wife Alexia. The couple separated in 2015, but the 49-year-old released a statement via Instagram shortly after learning of her ex’s passing.
Following Echevarria's passing, the family via Alexia Echevarria released a statement via social media. "The Echevarria family is heartbroken over the sudden passing of our patriarch Herman Echevarria this morning. He was a family man, a hardworking businessman, dedicated to helping others and a pillar of his community that was loved by everyone who’s life he touched. We ask that you Please respect our privacy during this time of grieving"
“I am so saddened by this news,” former cast mate Lisa Hochstein commented on the post. “My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m always here for you. Love you.”
Alexia Echevarria opened up about how her estranged husband's death has impacted their family. "The last 24 hours have been a nightmare for my family and I," she told E! News. "It is life once again showing me that at the drop of a hat, things can change. I can't imagine what my life will be like walking into my office every day and not seeing Herman or having our family dinners with the kids and family. We were in this for fifteen years and although we were currently separated and living in separate homes, our spiritual and emotional connection was stronger than ever. I would like to take this time to thank everyone for the incredible outpour of support that has come my way through messages, calls and social media."
Together the couple founded Venue magazine, following his career in politics and as a businessman in Miami. The couple separated in 2015. He had two children of his own, Nelson and Herman Jr., and was a stepfather to Alexia's two sons, Peter and Frankie. He reportedly died from natural causes, according to police. In the wake of this tragedy, he has been remembered by fellow Bravo stars, including Andy Cohen, Luann de Lesseps, Lisa Hochstein and Gretchen Rossi.
@AlexiaE_says sending your family love Alexia.— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 27, 2016
My sympathies and love go out to @AlexiaE_says and her family over their loss. https://t.co/Xthg6kEiNX— Luann de Lesseps (@CountessLuann) September 27, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Echevarria family during this difficult time. #RIPHerman
Photo Credit: Getty Images