Grammy-winning artist Flaco Jimenez has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed. The Tex Mex and Tejano music icon died on July 31, surrounded by his loved ones, following a "medical hurdle" that had previously hospitalised him. In a statement, his family expressed their deep sorrow: "It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father." They added that he will be "missed immensely".

His son Arturo revealed to The San Antonio Express News that his father's final words were: "I'm tired." Flaco marked his 86th birthday earlier this year, shortly after a hospital stay due to a health issue. In 2015, he underwent surgery for a broken hip and also suffered two rib fractures from a separate fall.

The celebrated musician enjoyed a stellar career both as a solo performer and as part of the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven, spanning an impressive seven decades.

Over the years, he released more than 20 albums and received numerous accolades.

Among these were six Grammys, five of which were for Best Mexican-American/Tejano Music performance, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

He also mingled with luminaries such as Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee after being awarded a National Medal of Arts by the US Government.

Born Leonardo Jimenez in San Antonio, Texas in 1939, Flaco hailed from a musical lineage.

He began performing alongside his father Santiago Jimenez Sr when he was just seven, before starting to record as a member of Los Caporales at the age of 15.

The celebrity initially played the bajo sexto – a Mexican string instrument akin to a guitar – before mastering the accordion.

He adopted the moniker Flaco, which was also his father's nickname, translating to "Skinny" in English.