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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – Alejandro Castillo Andrade, also known as El Potrillo, the founder of radio station La Chula 97.5, has been identified as the victim of the car crash that took place on Saturday, March 29 in Calera.

On the morning of March 31, the Calera Police Department responded to a collision on the 3000 block of County Road 12 where, upon arrival, officers discovered that one of the drivers was deceased. The incident is under investigation by the Calera Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit, the Shelby County Traffic Homicide Task Force and the Shelby County Coroner’s Office.

The name of the victim was withheld until Monday, March 31 in order to notify the next of kin first. On March 31, Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans identified Castillo, age 36 of Montevallo, as the victim of the crash.

On Sunday, March 30, La Chula 975 announced Castillo’s death in an official Facebook post.

“Unfortunately, our founder of this station, La Chula 97.5 Lic., Alejandro Castillo Andrade better known as ‘EL Potrillo’ has died in a car accident,” read the post by La Chula 97.5. “For the moment, we do not have the complete Information to share with you. We ask for understanding and respect for the family. It’s difficult times that we’re processing with a lot of pain. We will be sharing more details for his funeral over the next few days.”

Sobeida Sanchez has created a Gofundme fundraiser to support Castillo’s wife in the wake of the crash which has, at the time of writing, raised $10,035 out of a $16,000 goal.

“Due to his sudden passing, I’m creating this GoFundMe because I would like for his wife to have some time to grieve before having to make some tough decisions,” read the Gofundme post. “They have two beautiful young daughters who now have to grow up without their father. I would also like for Maritza not to have to worry about the funeral expenses. I ask that you please keep their family in your prayers. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”